C^ /i  fi  ^ 


//  y^/^n^ 


^>  ^*^  /t^  ^    }^^^ 


^^/C<f  ^  /^  >^  ^    /f^ 


Ly/^^  J^   ^J! 


MOLTKE 


CORRESPONDENT. 


Field-Marshal 

COUNT  HELMUTE  von  MOLTKE 


AB  A 


COEKESPONDENT 


TRANSLATED    BY 

MARY     HERMS 


NEW    YORK 

HARPER   &   BROTHERS,  FRANKLIN   SQUARE 

1893 


DL 

2.1  7 


CONTENTS. 


I.  Letters  to  his  Family. 

PAGE 

Selections  from  Letters  to  his  Father   ...         3 

1840,  Via  Elwangen  and  Cannstadt  to  Stuttgart 
(p.  6) — Basle — The  falls  of  the  Rhine — Zürich  (pp. 
9-12) — Over  the  St.  Gothard  in  adverse  weather 
(p.  15) — The  Devil's  bridge  and  the  Urner  Loch 
(p.  19) — In  snow  and  avalanches  to  the  St.  Gothard 
hospice  (p.  21) — The  waterfalls  of  the  Ticino,  Bellin- 
zora  (pp.  24-26) — Naples;  Street  life  in  Naples 
(pp.  26-29) — Genoa — Eough  passage  to  Naples 
(pp.  29-31) — Beggars  at  Naples  (p.  32) — Pompeii  j 
the  excavations  (p.  36) — Public  and  private  buildings 
(p.  41). 

Selections  from  Letters  to  his  Sister  Auguste       .       43 

Short  biography  of  his  sister  Auguste  (p.  43) — 1838, 
Ride  with  Hafiz  Pasha  from  the  Karsan  Dagh  over 
the  Anti-Taurus  (p.  48) — An  iron  pit  in  the  Anti- 
Taurus  (p.  51) — On  a  riift  down  the  Murad  to 
Chiirput  (p.  53)— 1850,  In  Paris  and  Trouville  (p. 
55)— 1868,  At  Wildbad  (p.  59)— 1869,  Thanks  his 
sister  for  nursing  his  late  wife  (p.  63) — 1870,  In 
att  eudance  on  the  Emperor  during  a  visit  to  King 
Victor  Emmanuel    (p.  64)^ — Enthusiastic  reception 


407110 


vi  Contents. 

PAOE 

at  Milan  (p.  71) — Milan  and  its  sights  (p.  73) — 
1876,  At  Palace  Caffarelli  in  Kome  (p.  78) — Rome  ; 
recollections  and  new  impressions  (p.  81) — Naples  ; 
the  blue  grotto  of  Capri  (p.  83) — 1879,  Manoeuvres 
in  Pommerania  and  Alsace  (p.  86-88) — 1880, 
Journey  from  Vienna  to  Gastein  in  very  bad 
weather  (pp.  89-92)  — 1881,  Journey  in  the  Tatra 
mountains  (p.  92). 

Selections  from  Letters  to  his  Sister  Magdalene  ,       93 

Short  biography  of  his  sister  Magdalene  (p.  93) — 
1866,  Probability  of  a  war  (p.  94)— 1875,  His  de- 
light  at  Creisau  (p.  96) — 1876,  The  four  giants  (p. 
97)— 1878,RecoUectionsof  his  wife  (p.  99)— 1883, 
Death  of  his  sister  Guste  (p.  102) — 1886,  His  interest 
in  his  nephews'  sons  (p.  102) — 1888,  Death  of  the 
Emperor  William  (p.  104)— 1889,  Death  of  his 
brother  Ludwig  (p.  105). 

Selections  from  Letters  to  his  Brother  Fritz       .     108 

Short  biography  of  his  brother  Fritz   (p.  108)  — 

1866,  Autumn  near  the  lake  of  Geneva   (p.  110)  — 

1867,  Gratitude  of  the  Silesian  people — Purchase 
of  Creisau  (pp.  112,  113) — 1867,  Description  of 
Creisau  (p,  114) — 1868,  Agricultural  depression  in 
the  province  of  Prussia  (p.  118) — Revenue  of  Crei- 
sau (p.  119) — Advantage  of  landed  property  (p. 
119)— Pedigree  of  the  Moltkes  (p.  123)— Serious 
political  situation  (p.   124) — 1869,   Offer  from  his 

sister  and  brother  to  make  their  home  with  the 
widower  (p.  127) — 1870,  At  Reims  on  the  way  to 
Paris  (p.  129) — Meeting  with  the  Emperor  Napoleon 


Contents.  vii 


PAGE 


after  the  battle  of  Sedan  (p.  132) — Before  Paris  (p. 
137) — Accounts  of  his  relations  at  the  seat  of  war 
(p.  138) — 1871,  Entrance  of  the  troops  into  Berlin 
(p.  141)— At  St.  Petersburg  (p.  142)— 1872,  Travel, 
ling  adventure  of  his  relations  (p.  145) — 1874,  At 
Eagatz  (p.  147). 

Letters  to   his  Nephew,  Wilhelm  von  Moltkb,  and 

HIS  Children .     150 

1863,  Account  of  his  taking  his  nephew  Wilhelm 
'  to  Wiesbaden — His  exhortations  to  him  to  take  care 
of  his  mental  and  physical  health  (p.  151) — 1864, 
Gives  him  advice  about  his  journey  during  the 
holidays  (p.  160) — Advantage  and  disadvantage  of 
the  military  life  (p.  163) — 1866,  On  his  nephew's 
preparation  for  the  oflBcers'  examination  (p.  165) — 
Money  and  its  value  (p.  171) — 1878,  Business  in 
the  Keichstag  (p.  174)— 1885,  San  Remo  (p.  176) 
— 1887-1888,  Boulanger — The  Emperor  Frederick 
III.  (p.  178)— 1890,  On  the  education  of  boys  (p. 
ISO)— Home  life  of  the  Imperial  Family  (p.  182) 
— About  and  to  his  eldest  great-nephews  (p.  185) — 
Moltke  as  Opapa — The  right  medium  between 
avarice  and  waste  (p.  189) — Thanks  for  presents 
received  (p.  192). 

II.  Letters  to  his  Friends. 

To  His  Royal  Highness  the  Crown  Prince  Albert  of 

Saxony 197 

Letters    Exchanged  between  his  Friends  and  Him- 
self WHILE  IN  the  East      .         .         .         .         .199 

Letters  to  Major-General  Fischer — 1837,  Advice 


viii  Contents. 

PAGE 

to  General  Fischer  about  his  journey  to  Constanti- 
nople (p.  202) — 1839,  On  his  Avay  home  at  Vienna 
(p.  207)— 1841,  About  railways  (p.  209)— 1854, 
The  Russo-Turkish  difference  (p.  212)— 1855, 
Sebastopol — Appointed  aide-de-camp  to  H.R.H. 
Prince  Frederick  "William  of  Prussia  (p.  217). 

Letter  to  Captain  Baron  von  Vincke,  1839,  after 

THE  Battle  of  Nisib  ......     220 

Letters  from  Captain  Baron  von  Vinoke  to  Major- 

General  Fischer  .......     222 

1839,  Moltke  "  un  chevalier  sans  peur  et  sans 
reproche  "  (p.  222) — His  serious  illness  at  Vienna, 
■when  returning  home  (p.  223). 

Letters  to  Count  Eduard  von  Bethusy-Huo  .         .      227 

1866,  Position  of  the  hostile  armies  at  the  end 
of  May  (p.  228)— 1869,  Recollections  of  his  wife 
(p.  233). 

Letters  to  General  von  Tümpling   ,         .         .         .235 

18G9,  Recollections  of  his  wife  (p.  235) — 1870, 
Condition  of  the  war  in  November  (p.  236). 

Selections    from    Letters    to    the  Oberhofprediger 

Sohaubach  at  Meiningen 238 

1875,  Thanks  for  his  congratulations  (p.  241) — 
His  trust  in  God  (p.  243)— 1880,  True  value  of 
man  here  and  hereafter  (p.  244). 


Contents.  ix 


PAGE 


Selections  from  Letters  to  the  Private  Councillor 

of  flnaxces,  von  scheller 247 

1870,  State  of  the  War  in  September  and  October 
(p.  248) — Progress  of  the  war  in  December  (p.  250). 

III.  Occasional  Correspondence. 
On  Religious  Subjects 257 

On  Education      , 259 

His  favourite  books  (p.  262). 

On  Charity 264 

1871,  Provisions  for  invalids  (p.  264). 

International  Law,  Politics,  War     ....     267 

1874,  Lot  of  prisoners  of  war  (p.  267)— 1879,  On 
partial  disarmament  (p.  270). 

Suggestions  for  the  Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace  .     271 

War  ordained  in  God's  Providence  (p.  272) — Hu- 
mane way  of  waging  war  (p.  274) — Dreams  of  peace 
by  opponents  (p.  276) — United  peaceable  Germany 
(p.  281) — Moltke  in  harmony  with  Kant  (p.  282) — 
War  an  evil  not  to  be  avoided  (p.  285)— Words 
and  deeds  in  politics  (p.  286) — On  direct  and  in- 
direct taxes  (p.  288)— On  Socialism  (p.  294)— On 
Reconciliation  between  Germany  and  France  (p.  295). 

Letters  of  Congratulation,  Acknowledgment,  &c.    .     297 
To  a  contemporary   (p.  297)  — On  the  merits  of 


X  Contents. 

PAGE 

Field-Marshal  von  Manteuilel  and  success  in  war 
(p.  299) — His  nomination  to  membership  of  the 
Russian  Academy  of  Science  (p.   303). 

Various  Proofs  of  Esteem 303 

Literary  Homage        .......     306 

His  views  on  biographies  of  living  persons  (p.  309). 


I. 

Letters    to    His    Family. 


SELECTIONS  FROM  LETTERS  TO  HIS 
FATHER.! 

Mao-adino  on  Lake  Mao-o^iore, 
November  2ncl,  1840. 

On  the  22nd  of  October  I  left  Jena  after  a 
month's  visit.  I  took  my  last  bath  there  in  snow, 
which  fell  through  the  open  roof  into  the  douche. 
As  we  drove  through  the  Thuringian  Forest  we 
admired  the  beautiful  snow-laden  firs,  but  on  the 
other  side  of  the  hills  the  snow  changed  into  rain 
and  strong  wind.  Coburg  and  Bamberg  we 
passed  at  night,  so  I  saw  but  little  of  this  fine 
country. 

On  my  way,   in  the   dark,  from  Nuremberg  I 
was  not  a  little  surprised  to  hear  a   conversation 

'  A   brief    autobiography    by    his    father    is   inolu_Ied   iu 
''  Moltke  :  Ilis  Life  and  Character." 

r.  2 


4  Selections  from  Letters 

being  carried  on  in  Turkish  ;  hut  I  think  the  two 
Armenians,  "\\4io  were  returning  from  the  Leipsic 
fair,  were  no  less  astonished  when  I  joined  in 
their  chat  in  the  same  lano:ua<2:e.  The  ekier  of  the 
two  men  was  a  native  of  Egin,  on  the  Euphrates. 
His  heart  bounded  with  joy  when  I  told  him  that 
I  knew  the  villao-es  and  mountains  of  that  neio;h- 
bourhood,  and  that  the  Kurds,  who  had  so  often 
devastated  his  village,  had  been  defeated,  and  that 
the  restoration  of  the  church  there  was  already 
begun.  He  had  left  his  country  forty-six  years 
ago,  but  still  remembered  the  exact  number  of 
mulberry  trees  in  the  vineyard,  and  what  fruit  used 
to  grow  on  the  house.  He  gave  up  the  house  and 
garden  to  his  Turkish  oppressors,  when  a  boy  of 
only  ten  years  old,  and  went  to  Constantinople, 
where,  by  trade  and  thrift,  he  made  a  fortune. 
Jann  Karabetha,  on  his  way  to  the  Leipsic  fair 
a  year  ago  last  Easter,  was  pressed  by  a  Jew  to 
take  a  ticket  in  the  Berlin  Lottery,  and  he  had 
won  50,000  thalers  (7500/.)  His  parents  died 
long  ago  ;  his  two  sisters  are  both  married  to 
wealthy  men  in  AVallachia  ;  he  himself,  no  longer 
young,   has  neither    brothers,  wife,  nor  children. 


To  His  Father.  5 

His    one    wisli    is     to    revisit    Merkess,  on    the 
Euphrates,    once   more  before   his   death,  and   to 
devote  his  money  to  his  native  village.     It  was 
quite  touching  to  hear  him  describe  the  assem- 
bling  of   the  Echtzar   or   elders  (very  likely  all 
buried    now),    to  restore    the    church ;     how   he 
would  plant  trees ;  introduce  wheel-barrows  into 
a  country  where  all  burdens  were  still  carried  ; 
how  he    would   bring  them    potatoes,   unknown 
there ;    construct  a  plough  on  Avheels,   etc.     In- 
<leedj  such  a  man  would  be  a  real  benefactor  to 
his     country.       Foreign     instructors,     European 
politics,  the  Hattisherif  of  Gulhane,  are  not  what 
the  country  needs,  but   the  wheel-barrow  and  the 
potato.     But  all  these  plans  can  only  be  realized 
when  security  is  given  to  life  and  property,  and 
such  security  is  not  to  be  found  on  the  Euphrates, 
still  less  so  since  the  defeat  of  the  Turkish  army 
has  allowed  the  Kurds  to  return  to  their  old  habits 
of  plundering.     As  things  are,  I  had  to  advise  the 
Armenian  to  wait  patiently  and  hope  for  better 
times,  which,  however,  I  fear  he  Avill  hardly  live 
to  see. 

I  must  leave  Armenia,  and   return  to  Swabia, 


6  Selections   from  Letters 

this  beautiful  country  of  forests,  meadows,  villages 
with  picturesque  mills,  old  castles,  and  cheerful 
looking  little  towns.  Elwangen,  to  begin  with, 
is  one  of  the  prettiest  places  to  be  seen,  with  its 
fine  castle,  and  big  convent  with  towers  and 
shrines.  In  Wlirtemberg  the  roads  are  well  kept, 
but  badly  planned.  They  seem  to  follow  the 
direction  of  the  old  bridle  roads  which  led  to  the 
castles  of  the  robber  knights  on  the  tops  of  the 
basalt  mountains  of  Rechberg,  Staufen,  and 
Hohentwiel.  The  heights  seem  to  be  chosen 
purposely,  even  in  the  beautiful  Rems  valley, 
which  runs  straight  along  for  ten  miles  ;  hills  are 
ascended,  only  to  be  descended  on  the  other  side,  by 
the  help  of  drags.  This  Avould  matter  little  for 
those  who  travel  merely  for  pleasure,  but  the  life 
of  the  post-horses  in  Wiirtemberg  is  a  dreadful  one. 
Where  the  Rems  flows  into  the  Neckar  the 
valley  is  wide  and  most  beautiful.  Here  stands 
the  lovely  little  town  of  Cannstadt  with  a  magnifi- 
cent bridge  over  the  river,  Avhich  rushes  over  a 
long  Aveir  through  fertile  fields  and  by  villages 
with  stately  churches  and  towers.  The  modern 
castle   of  Rosenstein,    built   in   imitation   of    the 


To  His  Father.  7 

antique  style,  overlooks  the  town,  which  lies  in  a 
deejD  basin  surrounded  by  high  hills.  These  hills, 
crowned  with  ruins  of  old  castles,  are  clothed 
with  vineyards  to  the  height  of  several  hundred 
feet,  and  dotted  with  the  little  white  cottag-es  of 
the  vine-dressers. 

A  line  road,  planted  on  both  sides  with  high 
poplars,  runs  through  son;Le  plantations  for  about 
half  an  hour's  distance  as  far  as  Stuttgart.  In 
many  respects  I  prefer  the  capital  of  Wiirtemberg 
to  the  much-admired  capital  of  Bavaria.  In  the 
latter  everything  has  been  done  by  the  king,  in  the 
former  by  the  inhabitants  ;  and  the  situation  of 
Stuttgart  is  as  fine  as  that  of  Munich  is  desolate. 
Stuttgart  occupies  the  whole  basin  of  a  deep  valley; 
the  hills  rise  immediately  behind  the  houses,  clad 
up  to  their  summits  with  vineyards.  No  fields  or 
meadows  are  to  be  seen  here ;  the  town  seems  to 
live  upon  nothing  but  grapes.  It  was  just  the 
vintage  time,  and  the  evening  twilight  was  lit  up 
now  and  then  by  rockets.  One  of  the  best  things 
at  Stuttgart  is  the  hotel  Marquardt,  where  I  re- 
freshed myself  thoroughly  after  three  nights  spent 
in  a  postchaise. 


S  Selections  from  Letters 

]My  first  visit  was  to  tlie  liigli  tower  of  tlie 
Stiftskirche,  whose  tM'o  liundrcd  and  fifty  steps  it 
is  well  worth  while  to  ascend.  The  view  from  tlie 
top  is  most  extensive,  and  greatly  facilitates  the 
finding'  of  one's  way  afterwards.  Xext  I  visited 
the  old  castle,  a  fine  stronghold,  with  big  round 
towers  and  magnificent  arcades  in  the  castle  yard. 
In  olden  times  the  people  of  this  country  not  only 
liked  to  build  their  dwellino-s  on  the  highest  hills, 
but  they  also  liked  to  live  in  the  highest  storeys. 
An  old  Count  of  Wiirtemberg  had  stairs  built  up 
to  the  fourth  storey,  which  could  be  ascended  on 
horseback  ;  a  stone  by  the  door  served  for  mount- 
ing and  dismounting.  On  the  ground  floor  is  an 
arena  where  the  tournaments  used  to  be  held. 
The  new  castle  is  a  finer  building,  in  proportion  to 
the  size  of  the  country,  than  that  at  Christians- 
borg, where  the  state  cannot  afford  the  heating  of 
the  rooms. 

In  the  morning  I  drove  to  Cannstadt,  where  I  had 
a  delicious  bath  in  the  mineral  waters.  They  spring 
to  the  height  of  two  feet  from  a  marble  shell.  The 
water  has  a  j^leasant  taste.  After  the  parade  I 
visited  the  Royal   stables,  where  two  hundred  and 


To  His  Father.  9 

fifty  stallions  are  kept.  My  fancy  was  taken  by 
some  thoroughbred  Arabs,  small  white  horses,  just 
fourteen  hands,  by  whom,  from  English  mares,  the 
bifjerest   horses  have  been   bred.      While    I    was 

CO 

admiring  them  the  king  passed.  He  likes  to  visit 
his  stables  from  time  to  time,  and  though  visitors 
are  not  allowed,  he  bowed  courteously  to  me. 

Going  by  Tübingen,  which  is  also  very  prettily 
situated,  I  reached  Basle  early  in  the  morning, 
and  I  went  on  at  once  to  see  the  Falls.  I  will 
spare  you  a  description  of  this  marvel  of  nature  ; 
one  might  as  well  try  to  describe  music  as  a  water- 
fall. Everyone  has  read  so  much  about  the  Falls 
of  the  Rhine  before  seeing  them,  that  the  spectacle 
would  be  indeed  beautiful  if  it  could  fulfil  all 
expectations.  Everything  here  is  on  a  grand 
scale  ;  the  breadth  of  the  stream  is  from  two  to 
three  hundred  feet,  the  height  of  the  fall  eighty 
feet,  and  the  mass  of  water  is  immense.  Near  the 
Falls  stand  two  fine  castles,  and  behind  them  rise 
the  snow-covered  Alps. 

The  vieAv  from  Castle  Laufen  on  the  left  bank 
is  particularly  grand.  The  formation  of  the  rock 
on  one  side  of  the  stream  forces  the  shoot  of  water 


lo  Selections  from  Letters 

into  the  middle  channel,  tlius  forming  a  small 
space,  between  the  rocks  and  the  lower  cascade. 
This  space  has  been  utilized  for  a  construction  of 
strong  beams  and  cramp  irons  to  enable  travellers  to 
approach  closely  the  mighty  Falls  of  the  Rhine. 
Descending  many  steps  from  the  castle  to  this  bridge, 
and  turning  round  the  last  rocky  corner,  this  enor- 
mous mass  of  water  is  seldom  seen  without  a  feeling 
of  horror.  Xo  work  of  human  hands  could  resist 
this  pressure  even  for  a  minute,  if  the  direction  of 
the  stream  were  not  already  marked  out  by  its 
upper  course.  Even  the  rocks  shake  perceptibly 
under  the  uninterrupted  fall  of  this  weight  of 
several  millions  of  pounds.  The  clear  emerald 
green  of  the  water  changes  into  snow-white,  foam- 
ing froth  ;  the  seething  waves,  thundering  down, 
heap  themselves  over  the  rocks  which  bar  their 
course,  and  bury  themselves  in  the  sand  of  the 
river's  bed,  to  reappear  hissing  and  whirling 
fm^ther  down.  Clouds  of  spray  ascend  from  this 
vortex,  and  the  colours  of  the  rainbow  flash  in 
calm  purity  over  the  ever-moving  confusion  of 
waters,  "  like  love  that  watches  madness." 

Can  you  believe  that  anybody  who  could  enjoy 


To  His  Father.  ii 

this  sight  in  nature  could  remain  in  a  dark  room 
to  see  nothing  but  a  picture  of  it  ?  And  yet,  it 
must  be  said  that  it  is  nature  herself  who  is  the 
artist.  Below  the  Falls  the  old  tower-like  castle 
Worth,  now  used  as  a  place  for  refreshments, 
stands  in  the  middle  of  the  stream.  In  one  of  its 
upper  rooms  there  is  a  board  covered  with  white 
linen,  the  windows  are  shut,  and  a  "  camera 
obscura "  quickly  represents  the  whole  of  the 
magnificent  Falls  of  the  Rhine  with  inimitable 
exactness,  giving  every  detail  with  charming  cor- 
rectness. This  must  be  a  valuable  study  for  a 
landscape  painter  ;  but  even  in  this  shape  it  would 
still  be  difficult  to  reproduce.  The  charm  is 
broken  by  the  first  beam  of  light  through  the  re- 
opened Avindow.  I  shall  never  forget  the  view  I 
had  of  the  Falls.  I  was  fortunate  in  seeing  them 
amply  supplied  with  water,  and  in  a  bright  sun,  at 
noon. 

In  the  evening  I  arrived  at  Zürich,  one  of  the 
prettiest  cities  I  have  seen  ;  it  lies  in  a  deep  valley 
just  where  the  clear  Limmat  rushes  from  the  lovely 
lake.  It  is  a  splendid  walk  over  the  long  bridge, 
which  crosses  the  river  near  the  lake,  and  from 


1 2  Selections  from  Letters 

•\vhicli  a  fine  view  of  the  town  hall,  the  hall,  and 
the  beautiful  cathedral,  can  be  obtained.  At  the 
other  end  of  the  lake  the  snow-covered  Alps  of 
Glarus,  the  St.  Gothard,  and  the  glaciers  of  the 
Bernese  Oberland  towered  up  in  a  semicircle,  and 
were  lit  up  by  the  sinking  sun,  while  a  bewitching 
dusk  was  already  resting  on  the  smooth  surface  of 
the  lake,  only  slightly  rippled  by  the  passing  of  a 
steamboat. 

Zurich  used  to  be  fortified,  and  it  is  difficult  to 
believe  that  not  nature  but  human  hands  have 
built  up  these  mountains  of  ramparts,  which  were 
constructed  to  cut  ofi"  the  to"«ai  from  the  sur- 
rounding heights.  The  pulling  down  of  these 
fortifications  gives  plenty  of  Avork.  The  building 
ground  at  Zürich  had  risen  to  enormous  prices, 
and  the  streets  were  extremely  narrow  ;  but  now 
where  the  town  is  taking  off"  her  iron  dress  it 
grows  rapidly.  There  arc  some  beautiful  new 
buildings,  such  as  the  Corn  Älarket  and  the 
Hospital.  The  proj^rietor  of  the  excellent  hotel 
where  I  put  up  has  bought  a  piece  of  the  lake 
for    12,000  florins.     For  the  last  three  years  he 


To  His  Father.  13 

has  gone  on  filling  it  up,  and  he  has  already  been 
offered  40,000  florins  for  this  joiece  of  building 
o;round. 

At  Zilricli  I  was  pleased  to  read  in  the  news- 
paper of  the  capture  of  Sayda  in  Syria  with  the 
remark  :  "  The  first  in  the  ranks  at  the  stormins; 
of  the  place  were  H.R.H.  Archduke  Albrecht  and 
Captain  Laue  of  the  Prussian  Army."  If  my 
friend  had  been  a  Frenchman,  the  Avhole  irrand 
nation  would  boast  of  it,  but  as  he  is  only  a  Prus- 
sian, very  likely  nobody  will  take  any  notice  of 
it. 

To  celebrate  my  birthday  heaven  favoured  us 
with  sunshine,  which  was  quite  a  change,  and  I 
made  a  beautiful  tour  that  I  shall  never  forget ; 
from  Zürich  over  the  Albis,  along  the  lake  of  Zug 
to  Schwyz  and  Brunnen  on  the  lake  of  Lucerne. 
The  last  few  years  I  have  spent  this  day  in  very 
different  surroundings.  In  1833  I  was  at  Genoa, 
then  at  Copenhagen,  then  on  the  Bosphorus  and 
on  the  Euphrates ;  last  year  ill  at  Pesth,  where  I 
was  so  kindly  nursed  by  my  friend  Vincke  and 
his  wife.    This  year  I  am  hale  and  sound  and  happy 


14  Selections  from  Letters 

at  the  foot  of  the  xVlps ;  and   I   did  what  I  had 

never  done  before  on  October  28th/  namely,  took 
a  bath  in  the  open  air.  You  will  see  how  much 
benefit  I  have  derived  from  the  treatment  at 
Ilmenau,  when  I  tell  you  that  I  bathed  in  the 
snow  waters  of  the  Rhine  near  Schaff  hausen  after 
having  passed  the  night  in  a  post-chaise,  then  in 
the  clear  waters  of  the  Lake  of  Zürich,  and  to-day 
in  the  Lake  of  Lucerne,  which  was  quite  rough. 
The  Föhn,  a  violent  wind  from  the  south,  beat  the 
waves  like  the  billows  of  the  sea  on  to  the  shore. 
I  have  left  off"  wearing  my  cotton  under-garments, 
and  I  am  in  excellent  health  this  autumn,  in  spite 
of  the  cold  rainy  weather,  but  I  must  not  boast. 

Brunnen  lies  at  the  foot  of  the  highest  Alps. 
Beyond  rises  the  Pilatus  with  its  indented  top 
and  the  Rigi,  which,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  cannot  be 
ascended  this  year,  on  account  of  the  unusually 
early  and  heavy  snow.  At  the  sight  of  this  moun- 
tain I  thought  of  you,  dear  father,  how  your  horse 
ran  away  with  you  as  you  were  coming  do"v\Ti ;  when 

1  Thus  stated  in  the  original  letter;  but,  as  is  well  known, 
his  birthday  was  on  October  2(]th.  For  similar  mistake,  see 
his  journal  Avritten  on  his  way  to  Coustaniinople  ("  Moltke  : 
His  Life  and  Character"). 


To  His  Father.  15 

I  saw  the  steepness  of  these  rugged  rocks,  the 
thought  of  it  was  dreadful.  Here  at  Brunnen  the 
first  Swiss  alliance  was  made,  and  over  at  Grütli,  in 
a  little  meadow,  the  second  most  important  meeting 
Avas  held ;  and  where  that  simple  little  chapel 
stands  on  the  steep  mountain-side  Tell  sprang 
ashore,  pushing  back  the  governor's  boat  into 
the  stormy  lake.  There  may  have  been  a  gale 
on  that  day,  such  as  we  had  on  the  29  th,  but 
Gessler  had  no  iron  steamer  like  ours  to  fight 
against  it.  Howe\'er,  ^ve  had  to  cross  the  lake  to 
Griitli  in  a  rowing  boat,  violently  tossed  about 
before  we  could  go  aboard  the  steamer.  The 
Föhn  rushes  so  powerfully  and  irregularly  out  of 
the  rocky  valleys  that  the  steamer  had  difficulty 
to  reach  Fllielen.  The  gusts  of  wind  raised  the 
surface  of  the  water  like  a  typhoon  ;  we  struggled 
against  the  elements,  and  progi'essed  so  slowly,  that 
I  had  plenty  of  time  to  study  the  wonderful 
ramifications  of  the  mountains. 

From  Altorf  we  made  for  St.  Gothard ;  but 
now  my  story  becomes  rather  exciting,  and  it  is  a 
pity  that  the  fact  of  my  writing  this  letter  in  Italy 
betrays  to  you  that  I  have  really  crossed  it.     But 


i6  Selections  from  Letters 

the  worst  that  can  happen  to  a  traveller  on  his 
tour  happened  to  us :  a  sudden  thaw  and  violent 
rain  after  heavy  snows.  As  is  Avell  known,  this 
route  is  much  exposed  to  avalanches,  especially 
numerous  in  winter  and  sprin<i-,  of  which,  however, 
we  were  to  have  an  example.  After  leaving 
Altorf  the  poor  horses  were  hardly  able  to  make 
way  against  the  violent  wind.  In  spite  of  drench- 
ing rain,  I  remained  on  the  box  of  the  diligence, 
to  enjoy  the  grand  scenery.  I  had  never  before 
seen  such  valleys,  such  walls  of  rock  rapidly  de- 
scending from  a  height  of  about  a  thousand  feet, 
and  such  a  turbulent  stream  as  the  Reuss.  The 
high  road  wound  higher  along  the  declivity  of  the 
mountains,  and  the  stream  roared  deeper  under  us 
in  ghastly  ravines.  The  rocks  approached  closer 
to  each  other,  the  road  suddenly  curved,  and, 
crossing  a  bold  arch,  now  went  along  the  other 
side  of  the  valley.  Not  far  from  the  village  of 
Yasen  a  thundering  noise  was  suddenly  heard 
through  the  loud  roaring  of  the  stream.  Opposite 
us,  high  up  near  the  snow-line,  we  saw  a  dark  mass 
loosening  and  rolling  down  the  ravine  with  ever- 
increasing  rapidity.     Its  course  was  marked  by  a 


To  His  Father.  17 

cloud  of  vapour  ;  it  appeared  to  sight  again  farther 
down,  big  stones  and  pieces  of  rock  preceded  it  in 
mad  jumps,  and  Avith  a  dreadful  crash  this  mass  of 
stones  and  rock  moved  down  into  the  stream.    We 
were   standing   straight   over   it,  but   about  two 
hundred  feet  from  the  bottom  of  the  valley,  which 
enabled   us   to   gaze  upon   the  spectacle  without 
danger.     In  a  moment  the  bed  of  the  Reuss  was 
completely  dammed  up,  the  swollen  stream  roared 
and  foamed,  but  the  next  minute  it  had  overcome 
the  obstacle,  and  rushed  along  with  a  darkened 
colour  over  fragments  of  rocks  and  trunks  of  trees. 
Such  a  fall  of  stones  is  a  small  thing  and  only  dan- 
gerous to  those  whom  it  overtakes  ;  but  what  a 
landslip  means,  I  had  seen  the  preceding  day  at 
Goldau.     There  it  happened,  I  think  in  1806,  that 
a   mountain-side    slipped    and    buried   in   a   few 
minutes  a  populous  village  rich  in  cattle,  fields, 
and  houses.     Goldau  is  situated  about  a  quarter, 
perhaps  half,  a  German  mile  from  the  top  of  that 
mountain,  and  if  I  had  not  seen  it,  I  should  never 
have  believed  it  possible  that  blocks  of  stone  of  the 
size  of  a  house  could  roll  on  for  such  a  distance. 
But,  once  set  in  motion,  nothing  can  stop  them. 

c 


i8  Selections  from  Letters 

Even  to-day  the  sight  of  the  place  is  dreadful 
For  more  than  a  mile  in  circumference  stones  are 
heaped  upon  stones  ten  to  twenty  feet  high,  so 
that  scarcely  a  fir-tree  grows  in  this  scene  of  deso- 
lation, once  the  fertile  pleasant  home  of  man ;  it 
is  a  Herculaneum  for  coming  centuries ;  under 
these  masses  of  stones  the  customs  of  our  times  will 
be  studied  as  we  to-day  study  those  of  the  Romans 
under  the  ashes  of  Vesuvius. 

Before  we  reached  the  village  of  Güschenen,  a 
mass  of  rocks  and  stones  had  slipped  on  to  the 
road  behind  us  ;  this  with  another  in  front  of  us, 
prevented  our  carriage  from  moving  either  on- 
wards or  backwards.  Nothing  was  left  for  us  but 
to  walk  on.  This  was  by  no  means  easy,  for  the 
spaces  between  the  loose  dehris  were  filled  up 
with  mud,  into  which  we  sank  up  to  our  knees,  in 
the  darkness.  To  delay  would  have  been  danger- 
ous as  fragments  continued  to  fall.  In  pitch  dark 
and  in  pouring  rain  we  arrived  at  Göschenen. 
Men  were  sent  to  fetch  our  baggage,  and  the  horses 
were  brought  in,  but  the  carriage  will  probably 
have   to  remain  where  it  is  for  some  time. 

On  the  following  day  the  wind  had  sunk  a  little, 


To  His  Father.  19 

but  the  rain  came    down  all  the  more   steadilv. 
We  did  not,  however,  let  it  prevent  us  from  con- 
tinuing our  wanderings,  nor  did   it   disturb  our 
delight  in  the  awful  grandeur  of  the  Alpine  valley. 
Near  the   Schöllenen   there   are   such   dangerous 
places,  that  from  time  to  time  so-called  refuges 
have  been  constructed  ;  they  are  niches  cut  in  the 
rocks  in  which  the  traveller  can  hide  when  he  sees 
an  avalanche  aj)proaching,  and  they  are  frequent 
here.    And  by  day  this  could  easily  be  done.   From 
the  height  of  a  thousand  feet  a  stone  would  ordi- 
narily fall  in  about  eight  seconds,  along  the  rocky 
wall   it  would  fall  about  three  or  four  times  as 
quickly.     This  would  enable  anyone  to  escape  who 
took  care  to  run  about  a  hundred  paces  away  in 
the  right  direction.     During  the  night  some  stones 
had  slipped  do"wn  here,  and  it  was  very  difficult  to 
pass,  on  account  of  the  swollen  brook.     Near  the 
devil's  bridge  {Teufelsbrücke)  the  character  of  the 
valley   is   very   wild.      The    high    perpendicular 
granite  walls  on  both  sides,  and  the  fall  of  the  Reuss 
from   the   height   of  a   hundred  feet,  under   the 
arches  of  the  bridge  have  often  been  described  and 
represented.      Then   you    enter   Urner   Loch,    a 

c  2 


20  Selections  from  Letters 

gallery  hewn  out  of  the  solid  rock,  from  whose 
dark  depths  you  suddenly  see  before  you  the  sph'e 
of  the  church  at  Andermatt  and  the  Zwingthurm 
near  the  village  hospital  standing  out  from  a  large 
meadow.  The  church  is  the  oldest  in  Switzerland, 
it  was  built  in  the  year  600. 

Everything  here  was  covered  with  snow,  and  we 
had  to  continue  our  journey  on  sledges  of  light 
structure  ;  empty  barrels  formed  the  seats,  and 
they  were  drawn  by  one  horse.  Each  traveller 
had  a  sledge  for  himself.  There  were  three  of  us  ; 
a  Swiss  alderman  from  Unterwaiden,  a  French- 
man, and  myself.  Three  Germans,  travelling 
journeymen,  who  had  enlisted  in  the  Papal  Army, 
were  pilgi'imaging  on  foot  to  Rome.  About  an 
hour  before  Hospenthal  the  road  was  so  com- 
pletely blocked  up  by  avalanches  that  the  horses 
could  go  no  further.  We  had  provided  ourselves 
with  three  strong  Swiss  lads,  who  carried  our  lug- 
gage, so  we  walked  and  climbed.  Suddenly  the 
guide  cried  out  •'  Una  valanga,"  and  at  the  same 
moment  we  saw  on  the  opposite  side,  about  two 
hundred  feet  behind  us,  a  mass  of  snow  rolling 
down  from  the  top.     It  is  almost  incredible  that 


To  His  Father.  21 

mere  snow  can  cause  such  a  terrific  noise,  and  yet 
this  avalanche,  -which  was  but  small  and  hardly 
reached  the  brook,  caused  a  noise  like  that  of  con- 
tinuous thunder. 

From  this  point  the  expedition  began  to  be 
uncomfortable.  The  higher  we  ascended  the  softer 
became  the  snow,  the  result  of  rain  and  a  south 
wind.  We  sank  into  it  up  to  our  knees,  even  to 
our  waists.  And  often  while  endeavouring  to  ex- 
tricate one  leg  we  sank  just  as  deeply  with  the  other. 
For  a  while  we  could  endure  it,  but  after  an  hour's 
struggle  the  gale  became  more  violent,  rain  and  fog 
much  denser,  and  we  began  seriously  to  long  for 
the  Avails  of  the  hospice,  which,  however,  were  not 
yet  to  be  seen.  I  had  given  my  mantle  to  one  of 
the  lads,  and  had  nothing  else  to  carry,  so  I  reached 
it  first,  the  Frenchman  was  about  half-an-hour 
behind  us,  and  the  lads,  already  heavily  laden,  had 
to  support  him.  At  last  our  whole  caravan 
arrived. 

You  can  scarcely  imagine  a  more  miserable  inn 
than  that  of  the  St.  Gothard.  The  government  of 
the  canton  Ticino  has  built  a  large  house  with  many 
rooms,  but  the  most  necessary  thing,  stoves,  have 


22  Selections  from  Letters 

been  forgotten.  There  is  only  one  in  the  whole 
house,  and  this  one  was  so  draped  with  wet  cloaks 
and  trousers,  that  it  gave  no  heat  in  any  other 
part  of  the  large  room.  Our  luggage  was  wet 
through,  and  all  we  could  do  was  to  go  to  bed  at 
five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  after  we  had  had 
some  hot  wine  and  macaroni  with  cheese.  In  the 
hosjoice  proper  there  are  only  two  Capuchin 
monks  and  a  lay  brother,  who,  with  their  scanty 
means,  supply  poor  and  needy  travellers.  They 
have  none  of  those  big  dogs  now,  who  used  to  find 
lost  travellers. 

On  the  following  day  we  descended  the  south 
side  of  the  pass  ;  there  was  still  more  snow  than  on 
the  north  side.  The  road  here  winds  along 
extremely  steep  mountains  in  endless  zig-zags ;  we 
climbed  straight  do^\"n  a  path  which,  without  the 
snow,  even  a  chamois  would  not  attempt.  If  we 
had  not  continually  sunk  in  up  to  our  hips,  we 
should  have  broken  our  necks  ;  we  had  numerous 
falls,  but  each  time  the  snow  saved  us  ;  and  so  we 
toiled  for  three  hours  in  continual  rain.  Not  till 
vre  arrived  at  Airolo,  almost  a  thousand  feet  lower 
than  on  the  north  side,  did  the  snow  cease.     But 


To  His  Father.  23 

now  it  became  very  dangerous  to  climb  down  the 
steep,  slippery  grass.  The  wind  caught  my  mantle, 
and  together  with  a  recruit  of  His  Holiness,  I  sailed 
vent  en  j)ou])e,  down  a  green  slope  much  quicker 
than  I  liked.  We  Avere  landed  happily  on  a  snow- 
field.  The  Frenchman  involuntarily  followed  our 
example,  but  head  foremost,  and  he  Avould  have 
been  thrown  into  an  abyss,  had  not  one  of  the 
guides,  who  was  in  advance,  planted  a  snow  shovel 
in  his  course  and  stopped  him  in  this  way.  But 
the  jDoor  devil  had  damaged  his  knee  so  badly  that 
he  had  to  stay  behind  at  Airolo. 

This  place  we  reached  in  three  days,  not  having 
once  taken  off  our  wet  clothes.  There  was  no 
need  for  me  to  continue  my  baths. 

We  had  hoped  to  pursue  our  journey  from 
Airolo  in  a  comfortable  carriage,  but  we  were 
disappointed.  The  Ticino,  a  dangerous  mountain 
stream,  swollen  by  the  unusually  heavy  and 
incessant  rains,  had  destroyed  many  of  the  bridges, 
and  damaged  the  fine  road,  even  washing  it  away 
in  places.  So  we  were  obliged  to  make  our  way 
on  foot  as  fur  as  Faido. 

But  the  journey  cloAvn  the  Lcvcntine  valley  was 


24  Selections  from  Letters 

extremely  pleasant  and  interesting.    This  part  of 
the  country  might  be  called  the  home  of  waterfalls, 
and  for  a  friend  of  this  Ijranch  of  nature's  beauty 
no  better  way  can  be  proposed  than  to  follow  the 
course  of  the  Ticino.     Heavy  clouds  still  hung  over 
the  valley  bordered  by  dark  firs,  but  high  above 
them  towered  the  snow-capped  mountains,  and  now 
and  then  specks  of  blue  sky  showed,  seeming  to 
give  promise  of  better  times.     We  now  reaped  the 
advantage  of  the  heavy  rains  by  seeing  the  water- 
falls  at   their   best.     Hundreds  and   hundreds  of 
cascades  rushed  down  the  mountains,  each  one  of 
them  would  have  been  worth  a  long  journey  to 
see.     The  greater  number  of  them  only  exist  in  a 
sudden  thaw,  such  as  we  had.     Now  they  appear 
like  silver  threads  falling  down  from  the  clouds  on 
to  the  high,  dark  rocks,  then  they  roll  do^vn  like  a 
glistening  veil  from  rock  to  rock,  soon  they  spring 
like    fountains    over  blocks    of  stone   which  bar 
their  way,  or  rush  foaming  madly   down  a  deep 
abyss  of  sixty  or  a  hundred  feet.     The  rapidity 
of  the  falling  water  decreases,  because  it  dissolves, 
into  mist  and  sinks  down  in  graceful  foam. 

The  Dazo  grande  is  a  very  imposing  sight.     The 


To  His  Father.  25 

Ticino,  with  its  very  rapid  course,  forms  a  current 
above  Faiclo,  which  certainly  falls  three  hundred 
feet  in  a  distance  of  about  five  hundred.  The 
stream  runs  throusrh  such  a  narrow  ravine  and 
between  "such  high  perpendicular  and  often  pro- 
jecting rocks,  that  the  road  had,  in  many  j^laces, 
to  be  cut  into  the  solid  stone,  in  others  it  had 
to  be  carefully  built  up  with  free-stone  to  the 
height  of  from  thirty  to  forty  feet.  The  water 
seems  not  to  find  sufficient  room  in  the  bed 
of  the  river ;  in  two  places  the  stream  is  only 
two  feet  wide,  while  in  its  upper  course  it  has  a 
width  of  fifty  or  a  hundred  feet ;  if  it  were  pos- 
sible to  get  down  to  these  narrow  places,  they 
could  easily  be  stepped  over.  The  river  bed  must 
either  enlarge  underneath  the  surface  of  the  water 
or  it  must  be  immensely  deep.  With  terrific 
force  the  pent-up  water  rushes  out  of  these  cre- 
vices into  the  larger  basins,  tumbling  in  seething 
foam  over  the  rocks,  thundering  from  fall  to  fall, 
while  the  winding  road  endeavours  to  follow  its 
course.  Insensibly  one  leaves  the  fir-tree  behind 
for  the  chestnut,  the  walnut,  the  vine,  cypress  and 
the  olive. 


26  Selections  from  Letters 

The  first  sight  of  Bellinzona  is  peculiar.  Three 
forts  formiDo-  a  loii"'  "wall  and  reachino;  as  far  as 
the  bridge  over  the  Ticino,  which  is  250  feet  long, 
shut  off  the  valley,  two  thousand  feet  wide,  from 
the  high  mountains  on  the  left  hand.  The  wall 
is  constructed  so  that  it  is  a  defence  on  both  sides, 
and  the  little  town  itself  is  fortified. 

I  have  had  time  to  write  this  long  letter,  as  the 
steamer  is  not  crossing  the  lake  to-day  on  account 
of  the  bad  weather.  It  is  no  use  going  to  Italy  in 
such  Aveather  as  this,  we  might  as  well  be  at  the 
Christmas  Fair  in  Berlin.  It  rains  incessantly,  the 
water  of  Lai^o  Ma2:o:iore  has  risen  fourteen 
feet.  Our  hotel  is  on  an  island,  and  one  cannot 
leave  the  house.  In  the  yard,  where  we  walked 
about  yesterday,  boats  are  required  to-day. 


Naples,  Nov.  ITtli,  1840. 
Now  I  have  exchanged  the  bleak  mountains  of 
the  Thuringian  Forest  for  tlie  shores  of  the  Gulf 
of  Naples,  the  dark  firs  whose  branches  sunk  under 
the  weight  of  the  snow  for  the  light  green  of  the 
lemon  tree  Avith  its  golden  fruit,  and  the  olive  and 


To  His  Father.  27 

the  palm.  Through  the  open  door  of  my  balcony 
I  see,  on  the  oj^posite  shore,  Vesuvius  with  thick, 
white  clouds  rising  from  its  crater.  Vineyards  and 
gardens  cover  its  base,  and  an  uninterrupted  row  of 
houses  and  palaces — the  villages  of  Portici,  Torre 
del  Annunciata,  Torre  del  Greco,  and  Castellamare 
— extends  along  the  shore.  A  little  further  on 
the  right  the  promontory  of  Sorrento  juts  into  the 
sea,  and  the  island  of  Capri  raises  its  rugged  head 
out  of  the  water ;  close  under  my  windows  I  hear 
the  continuous  bustle  of  this  populous  city.  Every- 
thing here  is  noisy,  even  the  dashing  of  tlie  sea 
against  the  rocky  shore,  and  the  quays  seem  noisier 
to  me  than  in  other  places.  The  oyster  and  hsli 
sellers  with  their  "  Frutti  di  Mare,"  the  donkey- 
boys,  who  bring  immense  loads  of  vegetables, 
which  at  home  are  only  seen  in  the  early  sum- 
mer, flower  and  grape  sellers,  coachmen,  beggars, 
and  even  sluggards  shout,  if  they  do  nothing  else. 
If  a  "  lazzarone  "  feels  ])orcd  he  yells,  and  imme- 
diately a  crowd  assembles  round  him  who  also 
yell  to  keep  him  company,  and  suddenly  they  all 
seem  satisfied.  There  you  see  two  felloAvs  playing 
^'  a  la   mora,"    a  game   in  whic^li  you   guess  how 


28  Selections  from  Letters 

many  fingers  your  partner  will  raise  ;  by  the  noise 
they  make  you  would  think  they  were  coming  to 
blows,  but  they  are  only  conversing  in  a  friendly 
way.     Further  on,  people  are  playing  with  mud 
balls    "  il   bigliardo    del  povero,"  but   all   this  is 
done  with  loud  screaming.    The  horses  wear  bells, 
and  since  every  one  exerts  his  lungs  to  the  utmost, 
it   is   most   difficult   to   make   oneself  heard.     A 
kind  of  stupefaction  comes  over  you  as  you  walk 
through  these  noisy  streets ;  suddenly  a  cab  drives 
close  up  to  you,  "  Volete  carrozza  !  "  calls  out  the 
driver,    as   loud   as  ever  he    can,  and  he   obliges 
you   to   make    a   round  to  get  out  of  his   way. 
"  Eccellenza !  "  cries  another,  and  points  with  a  re- 
proving glance  at  your  boots,  which  have  become 
very  bespattered  in  the  dirty  street,  and  while  you 
are  looking  at  them,  the  man  has  already  seized 
you  by  the  leg.     He  puts  a  little  foot-stool  under 
your  foot  and  in  the  midst  of  the  crowd  of  people 
and  horses  he  restores  the  polish  of  your  "  chaus- 
sure "   for   two  grani.     "  Andiamo    alia   barca  !  " 
shouts  a  little  sailor,  barring  your  way.     "  Per 
carita,  Signore  !  "  calls  a  beggar,  stretching  out  his 
crutch,  so  that  you  are  obliged  to  get  over  it.     On 


To  His  Father.  29 

all  sides  you  are  detained  by  people  trying  to 
make  you  give  them  some  trifle.  A  German 
beggar  opens  the  door  for  you,  an  Italian  shuts  it 
— both  for  the  sake  of  a  coin. 

But  before  telling  you  more  about  Naples,  I  must 
give  you  a  description  of  my  journey  here.  I 
came  by  water  and  in  water.  Dreadful  rains  had 
swelled  the  rivers  in  the  north  of  Italy,  so  as  to 
interrupt  all  communication.  The  large  boat- 
bridge  over  the  Po  was  torn  away,  we  had  to  em- 
bark, with  our  wet  baggage  in  little  boats,  and 
thus  in  some  danger  to  cross  the  wild  stream.  The 
weather  was  horrible,  and  I  hastened  to  leave  a 
country  already  known  to  me,  in  search  of  new 
sights.  Everything  was  seen  at  a  disadvantage. 
The  Borromean  Islands  in  the  Lago  Maggiore  were 
not  much  more  beautiful  than  the  Möven  Island 
in  the  Schlei,  and  even  Genova  la  superha  was 
not  nearly  so  magnificent  as  usual. 

But  this  Queen  of  the  Sea  will  for  ever  tell  of 
the  time  when  kingdoms  were  her  subjects.  The 
palaces  of  Durazzo,  Balbi,  Doria,  Caretto,  Lavagna, 
and  many  others  are  of  royal  magnificence.  The 
most  costly  thing  in  Genoa,  that  is  space,  is  lavished 


30  Selections  from  Letters 

on  tlicm.  If  you  would  see  beautiful  staircases, 
you.  must  come  here.  The  steps  are  often  as  wide 
as  fifty  feet,  they  are  mostly  of  white  and  black 
marble,  ornamented  with  precious  statues  on  both 
sides  and  ascend  ^'ery  gently.  They  lead  up  to 
the  first  and  second  storeys,  where  there  is  nothing 
to  be  seen  till  you  reach  the  dwelling  Jipartments. 
You  have  to  climb  high  to  get  away  from  the 
darkness  of  the  narrow  streets,  but  then  you  are 
rewarded  by  a  magnificent  view.  The  streets, 
Balbi  nuova  and  nuovissima  are  Avidc,  and  magni- 
ficently paved  with  large  square  stones,  but  near 
the  harbour  the  streets  are  often  very  narrow,  no 
wider  than  a  path.  ]\Iy  rooms  at  the  Groce  dl 
Malta  were  a  hundred  and  twenty  steps  high.  The 
dining-room  occupied  two  storeys,  and  was  more 
like  a  church  than  a  hall.  Stepping  out  on  to  the 
flat  roof  of  the  house,  you  are  surprised  to  find 
yourself  in  a  lovely  orange  grove  with  a  bubbling 
fountain.  The  water  is  laid  on  from  the  mountains, 
which  rise  close  behind  Genoa,  to  the  height  of 
three  thousand  feet ;  they  are  covered  with  coun- 
try houses,  gardens,  olive  plantations.  The  forts 
which  cro^^^l  these  hills  make  Genoa  a  rcduit  for  the 
whole  army  of  the  kingdom. 


To   His  Father.  31 

The  mamiiiicent  si^lit  of  Palazzo  Lavama  re- 

00  o 

called  to  me  vividly  Schiller's  Fiesco,  and  the 
paroxysm  of  ambition  which  seizes  him  when, 
opening  the  large  doors  of  his  room,  he  beholds 
Genoa  before  him  in  the  splendour  of  the  rising 
sun.  Quite  at  the  opposite  end  lies  Palazzo  Doria, 
the  home  of  Andreas  Doria,  whose  descendants  are 
still  flourishing,  while  the  house  of  Lavagna  became 
extinct  with  "  the  Lion." 

Though  the  sight  of  the  Mediterranean  was 
beautiful  as  the  Avaves  beat  against  the  rocky  shore, 
the  tossing  became  most  disagreeable  as  soon  as 
our  steamer  Sully  passed  the  point  of  the  Molo.  The 
night  was  dark  and  stormy  and  all  the  passengers 
were  ill.  One  of  them,  who  was  sleeping  on  deck, 
was  most  unfortunate,  a  yard  fell  down  and  broke 
his  skull ;  the  jDoor  man,  a  Russian,  barely  escaped 
with  his  life.  It  was  a  long  jDassage ;  when  we  were 
already  in  sight  of  Leghorn  the  storm  became  so 
violent,  that  we  began  to  think  of  turning  back. 
However,  towards  evening  we  reached  the  road- 
stead (we  ought  to  have  been  there  in  the  morn- 
ing), and  entered  the  liarbour.  The  captain 
decided  to  stay  twenty-four  hours  to  let  the  gale 
subside. 


32  Selections  from  Letters 

Every  travc41er  at  sea  makes  the  acquaintance 
of  a  gale  as  a  ^'  matter  of  course,"  and  I  leave  it  to 
you  to  deduct  from  my  description  as  much  as  you 
think  necessary.  But  the  fjict  remains  that  I  was 
horribly  sea-sick,  and  that  I  almost  made  up  my 
mind  never  to  go  on  board  a  ship  again.  The  follow- 
ing day  the  sky  was  blue,  the  air  mild,  the  sea 
bright,  the  ship  began  to  get  up  steam,  the  anchor 
was  wei<2;lied,  and  we  were  out  at  sea  ao-ain.  But 
during  the  night  the  "  sirocco  "  rose  ;  our  misery 
beo:an  ao-ain  and  continued  till  we  sailed  into  the 
"  molo  "  of  Civita  Vecchia.  Now  I  had  had  enough. 
I  disembarked,  intending  to  go  to  Rome,  and  from 
there  to  Naples  ;  but  our  passes  had  to  be  vised.  I 
was  sent  from  the  Police-station  to  the  Douane, 
from  the  Prussian  Consul  to  the  Papal  Legate,  from 
the  Post-office  to  the  Custom-house  ;  everywhere  I 
had  to  pay,  and  matters  were  nowhere  satisfactorily 
settled.  No  city  has  ever  impressed  me  so  unfa- 
vourably as  this  one.  Swarms  of  ragged  beggars 
crowded  round  me,  every  one  of  them  seized  a 
piece  of  my  luggage,  running  away  with  my 
travelling  bag,  my  umbrella,  or  my  mantle.  At 
last,  when   all   the    difficulties  were  overcome,  I 


To  His  Father.  33 

was  asked  to  pay  for  two  places  in  the  diligence^ 
because  otherwise  it  could  not  leave  till  the  next 
morning.  They  seemed  to  make  sure  of  me,  per- 
haps they  could  tell  by  my  face  that  I  did  not  like 
a  boisterous  sea  ;  but  I  made  up  my  mind  quickly, 
took  a  boat,  had  my  luggage  put  in  and  embarked 
again  on  the  Sully,  which  Avent  rocking  on  slowly 
in  the  direction  of  Cape  Circello.  If  the  com- 
panions of  Ulysses  had  been  as  sick  as  I  and  my 
fellow-sufferers,  there  would  have  been  no  need 
for  them  to  stop  their  ears  with  wax.  No  sirens 
could  have  succeeded  in  making  us  listen  to  their 
beautiful  songs. 

At  Civita  Vecchia,  which  looks  beautiful  from 
the  sea,  I  was  so  happy  as  to  make  the  acquaint- 
ance of  the  most  notorious  robber-chieftain  of  our 
times.  He  had  led  many  expeditions,  on  which  no 
less  than  thirty  men  had  been  murdered  at  one 
time,  and  in^  spite  of  all  his  crimes  he  seemed  well 
pleased  with  himself.  At  last  a  treaty  had  been 
made  between  His  Holiness  and  Signor  Gasparino 
in  consequence  of  which  the  latter  had  been  sent 
to  Ancona.  But  not  very  long  after,  this  hravo 
thinking  that  he  had  been  taken  advantage  of,  re- 

D 


34  Selections  from  Letters 

fused  to  keep  the  contract.  He  again  headed  his 
band  and  plundered  worse  than  before.  The 
Papal  Government  made  a  new  treaty  with  him. 
The  robber  captain  was  given  comfortable  apart- 
ments at  Civita  Vecchia  ;  he  now  receives  four  paoli 
per  day  and  four  courses  at  his  meals,  and  leads  a 
quiet  life  under  the  care  of  a  guard.  He  was,  at 
any  rate,  the  most  amiable  person  I  met  at  Civita 
Vecchia. 

I  am  sure  that  travelling  long  in  Italy  must 
deteriorate  the  character.  The  Italians  seem  to 
be  a  nation  of  Facchini,  Camerieri,  Vetturini, 
Hospiti  and  Ciceroni,  who  have  united  to 
plunder  the  traveller.  It  is  true  they  cheat  him 
to  gain  but  a  trifle,  but  it  is  always  vexing  to  be 
taken  in.  The  consequence  is  that  bad  inten- 
tions are  often  suspected,  even  where  they  do 
not  exist.  Nobody  can  be  trusted ;  for  every 
purchase  one  has  to  bargain,  and  yet  one  is 
cheated  every  time.  In  Germany,  if  the  poor 
man  expects  a  reward  for  rendering  you  a  service, 
in  Italy  the  beggar  forces  you  to  give  him 
something ;  making  himself  as  unbearable  as 
possible   that   you   may   rid   yourself  of  him  by 


To  His  Father.  35 

giving  him  an  alms.  He  holds  you  by  your  coat, 
shows  you  the  most  nauseous  wounds  and  mutila- 
tions, abuses  you  if  you  don't  give  him  what  he 
asks  for,  and  laughs  at  you  when  you  do.  If 
you  ask  the  name  of  the  street,  your  informant 
stretches  out  his  hand  for  a  reward.  A  decently 
clad  man  followed  me  through  Leghorn  to  show 
me  the  Prussian  Consul's  house  which  had  already 
been  pointed  out  to  me.  I  told  him  that  he  need 
not  trouble  himself,  as  I  should  not  give  him 
anything.  "  Ecco  la  casa,  al  terzo  piano  "  (on  the 
third  floor)  said  the  man  and  went  away. 
Astonished  at  his  modesty,  I  ascended  the  high 
stairs,  and  found  that  the  consul  lived  on  the 
ground  floor. 

It  is  best  not  to  give  an  Italian  all  that  you  in- 
tend to  give  him  at  once.  If  he  receives  five  francs 
for  ever  so  small  a  service  he  is  sure  to  say  :  "  c  poco, 
Signor"  (it  is  little).  But  supposing  you  gave 
him  first  one  franc  then  half  a  franc,  he  would 
very  likely  be  satisfied.  This  is  a  low  trait  in 
his  character.  Satisfied  with  anything  if  neces- 
sary, he  will  try  to  get  more  as  long  as  there  is  a 
possibility. 

D  2 


36  Selections  from  Letters 

On  the  lOtli  of  November,  at  noon,  we  were 
under  the  shelter  of  the  Island  of  Ischia.  We 
passed  quickly  by  the  high  castle  of  Procida,  and 
the  beautifully  shaped  Cape  Miseno,  sailed  through 
the  bay  of  Baja  and  Puzzuoli,  rounded  the 
Posilippo,  and  beautiful  Naples  lay  before  us. 
But  clouds  hung  about  Vesuvius  and  darkened 
Cape  Sorrento,  diminishing  the  beauty  of  the  view 
that  we  had  expected  to  enjoy.  I  saw  Constan- 
tinople for  the  first  time,  at  the  end  of  November, 
and  I  must  say  that  in  beauty  it  exceeds  Naples. 

The  chamberlain  von  Oertzen,  whose  acquaint- 
ance I  made  on  the  journey,  and  I,  have  taken 
comfortable  and  cheap  apartments  together  on  the 
Strada  Lucia,  whence  I  make  my  excursions. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  objects  to  be  seen 
hi  Italy  is  Pompeii.  You  are  transjDorted,  as  if  by 
magic,  from  the  present  into  past  ages,  from 
the  nineteenth  century  into  the  first  century  of 
the  Christian  era.  Time,  migration  of  nations, 
and  amateurs  in  art,  have  destroyed  the  most 
magnificent,  most  solid  constructions  of  the  Greeks 
and  Romans.  Nothing  is  left  of  the  gigantic 
temples    and    theatres,    but    isolated     shafts    of 


To  His  Father.  7)7 

columns,  and  half-sunken  vaults.  But  Pompeii 
was  overwhelmed  by  a  convulsion  of  nature,  and 
in  one  day,  in  the  midst  of  life  her  inhabitants 
were  caught,  en  flagrant  delit,  and  entombed  for 
two  thousand  years. 

The  earth  itself  was  the  museum  that  preserved 
not  only  the  works  of  art,  but  all  the  household 
aiTangements  of  the  population.  A  layer  of 
ashes  and  pumice-stone,  ten  to  twenty  feet  thick, 
protected  all  these  things  from  destruction ;  at 
the  beginning  of  the  last  century  it  was  known 
that  Pompeii  had  been  buried  by  an  eruption  of 
Vesuvius  in  the  year  a.d.  79,  but  not  where 
the  city  was  situated.  Some  inscriptions  found 
in  well-sinking  gave  the  first  indication  of  the 
site.  At  present  about  a  fourth,  perhaps  the 
most  interesting,  part  of  the  old  town,  with  its 
vineyards  and  country-houses,  has  been  brought 
to  light.  Tlie  following  buildings  have  been  exca- 
vated :  the  forum,  two  theatres,  the  street  of  the 
artisans  and  merchants,  the  amphitheatre  before 
the  gates,  the  street  of  tombs,  and  the  houses  of 
some  well-known  men,  such  as  Cicero,  Diomedes, 
Sallust,  etc. 


407110 


38  Selections  from  Letters 

At  the  time  of  the  eruption  the  inhabitants  of 
Pompeii  were  assembled  at  the  amphitheatre, 
whose  marble  steps  and  lions'  cages  are  now  spread 
out  before  our  eyes.  Very  likely  most  of  them 
had  time  to  save  themselves  ;  yet  many  bodies 
have  been  found  of  those  who  were  overtaken. 
Before  the  door  of  the  large  beautiful  house  of  the 
freedman  Diomedes,  the  skeleton  of  a  man  was 
found  with  a  key  in  one  bony  hand,  and  a  bag  of 
money  in  the  other. 

In  the  lower  vaults  of  the  temple  of  Isis  lay 
the  skeleton  of  another  with  a  crowbar  in  his 
hand ;  the  man  had  worked  himself  through  two 
thick  walls.  A  woman's  skeleton  was  found  with 
two  children  in  her  arms,  Avhom  she  must  have 
tried  to  protect  from  the  rain  of  ashes  ;  a  petrified 
piece  of  ashes  is  still  shown  to  the  travellers,  with 
the  impression  of  a  beautiful  bosom. 

But  nothing  is  more  surprising  in  visiting  this 
Epimenides  of  towns,  than  the  freshness  of  the 
colours,  which  have  covered  the  walls  for  about 
two  thousand  years.  Almost  all  the  floors  of  the 
bigger  houses  are  inlaid  with  most  delicate  mosaics, 
and  the  fountains,  ornamented  with  fragile  cockles 


To  His  Father.  39 

and  shells,  look  as  if  they  had  only  just  been 
finished.  You  Avould  marvel  at  the  correctness 
of  the  drawing  and  the  brightness  of  the  colours 
of  the  floating  figures,  on  red  and  black  back- 
grounds, Avhich  adorn  the  walls,  having  reference  to 
the  different  purposes  of  the  several  rooms.  One 
pillar,  found  in  the  house  of  a  cloth  manufacturer, 
explains  the  whole  process  of  this  business  ;  there 
are  the  loom,  the  damping  and  washing  machines, 
and  also  a  press  worked  with  screws  in  the  same 
manner  as  those  of  the  present  day.  The  dining- 
rooms  are  decorated  with  paintings  of  fruit,  flowers 
and  hunting  scenes.  The  names  of  the  artisans  as 
well  as  those  of  the  streets,  are  written  on  the  houses 
in  good  writing  and  generally  in  red ;  sometimes 
there  are  witty  mottoes  and  figures  painted  in 
much  the  same  way  as  they  are  found  on  our 
walls.  The  carriage  wdieels  have  left  their  marks 
in  the  hard  lava  pavement,  and  in  some  places  the 
stones,  put  for  crossing  the  street  in  wet  weather, 
are  still  lying  there.  Bread,  flour,  olives,  figs, 
beans  have  been  found  (all  charcoaled),  wine, 
jugs  (pointed  amphoras  as  they  are  used  to-day  in 
the  East),  numerous  potter's  vessels  of  most  dainty 


40  Selections  from  Letters 

shape  with  well-known  figures  on  black  ground, 
stoves,  ovens,  all  kinds  of  tools,  surgical  and  musical 
instruments,  dice,  chess-boards,  kitchen  utensils 
and  scales,  and  all  these  things  only  difler  from 
our  present  fashions  in  that  they  are  more  highly 
finished  and  in  better  taste. 

Considering  that  Pompeii  was  only  a  country- 
town  of  secondary  importance,  it  is  astonishing  to 
see  the  number  of  bronze  and  marble  statues,  of 
paintings  and  mosaics,  of  vases  and  jewellery, 
which  have  been  dug  out.  The  Forum  civile 
must  have  been  very  beautiful ;  it  is  a  square 
place  aiTanged  according  to  the  proportions  of 
Vitruvius.  The  summit  of  the  hill  of  Castella- 
mare  and  the  crater  of  Vesu^'ius,  which  brought 
this  ruin  upon  the  town,  can  be  seen  from  here. 
On  three  sides  of  it  there  are  more  than  two  thou- 
sand Doric  columns  in  good  preservation.  They 
are  of  tufFa  covered  with  stucco  and  painted  red  or 
yellow.  These  columns  used  to  form  a  portico,  or 
covered  walk,  but  the  beautifully  canned  cornices 
have  fallen  in.  On  the  fourth  side  stood  a 
temple  where  was  found  the  gigantic  head  of  a 
Jupiter.      Twelve   magnificently  grooved  marble 


To  His  Father.  41 

pillars  of  the  peristyle  are  still  standing.  The 
Curia,  the  Basilica,  the  Temiües  of  Mercury  and 
Concordia,  the  Pantheon  come  next.  The  many 
statues  which  adorned  this  square  have  been  taken 
to  the  museum  at  Naples,  as  Avell  as  the  greater 
part  of  the  art  treasures,  paintings  and  mosaics. 
If  they  had  been  left  in  their  old  places  they  would 
probably  have  been  soon  destroyed.  But  it  is  to 
be  regretted  that  not  one  Roman  house  has  been 
restored  here,  where  all  necessary  material  was  at 
hand. 

The  ancients  bestowed  much  more  trouble  and 
expense  on  their  public  buildings  and  less  on  their 
own  houses  than  we,  but  everything  was  neat 
even  to  the  veriest  detail.  The  rooms  which  sur- 
rounded a  square  court-yard  are  seldom  larger 
than  eight  to  ten  feet  square  ;  they  are  unconnected 
with  one  another. 

The  Pompeians  must  have  had  frequent  inter- 
course with  the  Egyptians.  This  is  proved  by 
their  sculptures,  papyri,  their  temple  of  Isis  and 
the  mummies  that  have  been  found.  If  one  of 
these  could  rise  and  take  a  look  at  us,  he  would 
be  as  much  surprised  at  our  appearance  in  coats 


42  Selections  from  Letters  to  his  Father. 

and  round  liats,  and  at  our  arri\'al  by  train,  as  we 
arc  at  his  town. 

At  a  chemist's  medicine  bottles  of  gdass  con- 
taining medicines,  and  marble  jugs,  with  balsams 
lur  the  embalming  of  mummies,  were  found.  I 
luue  been  lucky  enough  to  obtain  a  little  piece 
of  this  hard  mass  which,  in  spite  of  the  two  thou- 
sand years  that  have  elapsed,  still  retains  a  strong 
smell. 


AUGUSTE    VON    MOLTKE. 


SELECTIONS  FROM  LETTERS  TO  HIS 
SISTER  AUGUSTE. 

Auguste  von  Moltke,  the  youngest  sister  of  the  Field- Marshal, 
was  born  at  Augustenhof  in  Holstein,  on  September  16th^ 
1809.  From  her  earliest  childhood  she  had  always  been  her 
brother's  favourite,  and  very  early  the  rich  endowments  of  her 
character  were  seen  in  her  humility,  kindness  of  heart,  and 
ready  self-denial.  On  the  21st  of  May,  1834,  she  was  married 
to  John  Heyliger  Burt,  of  Colbon,  near  Lichfield  in  England, 
owner  of  the  plantation  of  St.  John  on  the  island  of  St.  Croix 
in  the  West  Indies.  Her  husband,  Avho  had  lived  in  Germany 
for  some  time,  had  by  his  first  wife,  Ernestine  von  Staffeldt, 
three  children,  the  youngest  of  whom,  Marie,  afterwards  became 
the  wife  of  the  Field-Marshal.     How  much  devotion  Auguste 


44  Selections  from  Letters 

von  Moltke  lavished  on  the  education  of  her  step-children,  and 
with  what  affection  they  returned  her  care  has  been  told  in 
the  biography  of  "  Marie  Moltke."  (See  "  Moltke  :  His  Life 
and  Character.") 

The  Burts  lived  first  at  Schleswig,  then  at  Itzehoe  ;  their 
marriage  was  a  very  happy  one  ;  Auguste  presented  her  husband 
with  two  children,  a  son,  Henry,  later  aide-de-camp  of  the  Field- 
j\Iarshal,  and  a  daughter,  Ernestine.  In  1855,  Mr.  Eurt 
determined  to  go  and  see  his  property  in  the  "West  Indies ; 
on  his  way  home  he  was  taken  ill  and  died  on  board  on  the 
25th  of  July,  185G  ;  his  body  was  buried  at  sea.  In  1864,  when 
her  brother  Fritz  lost  his  wife,  Auguste  (though  still  mourning 
for  her  husband)  went  to  him  to  comfort  him  in  his  trouble. 
She  remained  with  him,  took  the  cares  of  the  household  upon 
herself,  and  made  his  lonely  life  bright  again.  In  December 
of  the  year  1868,  when  Marie,  the  Field- Marshal's  wife,  fell 
ill,  she  hastened  to  the  sick-bed  of  the  dear  daughter,  but  her 
faithful  and  self-sacrificing  care  did  not  succeed  in  keeping  off 
the  dreaded  evil ;  Marie  died  on  the  evening  of  Christmas 
Day.  Auguste  now  resolved  to  devote  herself  to  her  brother 
Helmuth,  who  was  severely  shaken  by  the  loss  of  his  beloved 
wife.  And  she  was  encouraged  in  her  determination  by  the 
gracious  words  of  Queen  Augusta,  who  gave  her  an  audience 
at  which  she  told  her  that  it  was  her  duty  to  remain  with  her 
brother,  who  must  be  preserved  for  his  King  and  his  Fatherland. 
She  and  her  brother  Fritz  then  went  to  live  with  the  Field- 
Marshal,  over  whose  households  in  Berlin  and  at  Creisau  she 
henceforth  presided.  On  March  27th,  1883,  death  ended  her 
useful  life,  which  was  full  of  blessing  to  others  and  whose 
motto  had  been  :  "  Rejoicing  in  hope,  patient  in  tribulation, 
continuing  instant  in  prayer."  How  much  her  brother  Helmuth 
must  have  loved  her  is  sliown  by  the  fact  that  he  buried  her 
remains  in  the  vault  at  Creisau,  where  he  now  rests  himself 
between  Iiis  wife  and  his  favourite  sister. 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  45 

Charput,  July  4th,  1838.^ 
My  dear  Sister  Gustchen, 

Your  Tvelconie  letter  of  Aj^ril  12tli  has 
found  its  way  to  Armenia  safely.  I  received  it  on 
our  march  here,  and  as  we  have  been  resting  for 
three  days  I  will  not  delay  any  longer,  but  answer 
it  in  spite  of  my  planned  laziness.  Having  been 
for  two  months  in  continual  movement,  sleeping 
either  in  a  tent  or  in  the  open  air,  I  can  say  with 
Falstaff,  "Wenn  ich  weiss,  wie  das  Innere  eines 
*  Zimmers '  aussieht,  bin  ich  ein  Brauerpferd,  ein 
Bündel  Radies."  ^  Just  now  I  am  stretched  out 
on  cushions  in  a  good,  high  apartment ;  I  am  lazy 
a  dessein,  and  do  not  stir  a  finger  unless  obliged, 
eat  after  well  considering  my  digestion,  avoiding 
Turkish  favourite  dishes  as  "  pillav "  with  honey 
and  cream,  sour  milk  with  cut-u|)  cucumbers  and 
garlic,  &c.  A  case  of  champagne  has  fortunately 
arrived  for  me,  and  I  hope  that  I  and  my  exhausted 


1  Compare  Letter  No.  48  in  "Briefe  über  Zustände  und 
Begebenheiten  in  der  Türkei,"  p.  284  (5th  Edition). 

^  "  Henry  IV.,"  act  iii.  scene  3  :  "  And  I  have  not  forgotten 
what  the  inside  of  a  church  is  made  of,  I  am  a  peppercorn,  a 
brewer's  horse." 


46  Selections  from  Letters 

horses  will  be  in  good  condition  again  in   a   few 
days. 

This  time  I  write  my  letter  to  you,  my  dear 
Gustchen,  partly  to  answer  your  kind  letter  and 
also  because  father  will  probably  not  have  returned 
from  his  journey  when  it  arrives.  But  I  shall  not 
forget  to  drink  his  health  on  the  12th  of  this  month 
in  a  bottle  of  French  sherbet. 

Really  I  have  nothing  more  to  tell  you  than 
that  we  crossed  the  Anti-Taurus  by  a  perilous 
path,  and  then  leisurely  descended  the  Euphrates, 
which  is  only  four  hours  distant  from  our  j^resent 
headquarters. 

After  the  revolts  of  the  Kurds  in  the  Karsan 
mountains  (the  most  precipitous  that  can  be 
imagined)  had  been  put  down,  I  went  with  the 
Commander  to  their  camp  on  the  foot  of  the  hills 
where  they  had  left  their  tents  and  luggage .  The 
temperature  here  was  about  ten  degrees  Avarmer 
than  amongst  the  snowy  summits.  There  were 
no  fine  walnut-trees  to  give  shade,  no  rustling 
mountain  brooks,  and  the  life  in  the  tents,  which  we 
could  hardly  leave  during  the  day  on  account  of 
the  heat,  was  made  very  disagreeable  at  night  by 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  47 

quantities  of  scorpions,  tarantuke  and  snakes 
which  we  killed  every  day,  but  of  which  we  never 
got  rid  altogether.  However,  none  of  them  be- 
longed to  the  most  virulent  species,  the  only 
danger  was  in  being  stung  by  them.  But  millions 
of  most  insufferable  flies  did  not  allow  us  a  minute's 
rest  as  long  as  it  was  day -light.  I  should  have 
been  thankful  for  one  of  your  veils.  But  one 
thing  I  can  say  in  fa\'our  of  this  country,  there  are 
no  bugs,  and  this  circumstance  makes  up,  in  my 
opinion,  for  all  the  other  plagues  of  insects. 

We  were  heartily  pleased  when  Hafiz  Pasha 
declared  at  supper,  on  the  25th  of  June,  that  we 
should  break  up  in  an  hour.  He  intended  to  visit 
a  place  in  the  Taurus  where  new  iron  works  were 
to  be  constructed,  and  wished  to  precede  the 
troops.  Though  we  were  without  military  escort, 
except  some  cavasses  with  long  lances,  our  pro- 
cession numbered  almost  two  hundred  horse. 
Each  horseman  carried  his  0"wii  arms,  and  most  of 
them  had  guns  over  their  shoulders. 

In  brilliant  moonlight  we  passed  through  a 
wide  and  fertile  but  uncultivated  plain,  without 
dwelling-places,  a  real  desert ;  for  no  Kurd  dares  to 


48  Selections  from  Letters 

settle  where   the    fruits  of  his   industry  arc   not 
protected  by  high  mountains. 

After  a  two  hours'  ride  we  heard  the  roaring  of 
the  Battnian  stream,  and  soon  found  ourselves  con- 
fronted by  a  wonderful  construction,  a  bridge 
of  formidable  height  which  spans  in  a  single 
arch,  with  a  tension  of  a  hundred  feet,  the  wild 
impetuous  mountain  stream.  This  bridge  pro- 
bably dates  from  the  time  when  the  Genoese 
constructed  works  here  to  protect  their  Indian 
trade.  Neither  the  industry  nor  the  diligence  of 
the  Turks  has  been  able  to  destroy  them  com- 
pletely during  the  space  of  t^vo  hundred  years. 
Other  monuments  of  this  small,  far-away,  though 
important  commercial  town  are  seen  in  the  strong 
castle  and  two  bridges  over  the  Tigris  at  Djesireh, 
destroyed  by  Reschid  Pasha  only  two  years  ago, 
and  a  bridge  over  the  stream  at  Hösn-Keifa  built  in 
the  same  bold  style  of  architecture,  but  now  fallen 
in.  Then  their  trade  route  seems  to  have  gone 
towards  the  north  along  the  Battman  over  the 
Taurus  and  the  Murad  down  to  Palu,  where  on  an 
isolated  rock  of  about  two  thousand  feet  rise  the 
ruins  of  one  of  their  castles,  a  position  almost  un- 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  49 

assailable.  The  strong  castles  on  the  summits  of 
the  heights  at  Tokat,  Turchal,  and  Amasia,  must 
have  been  built  by  the  Genoese  on  foundations  of 
much  older  date,  they  seem  to  have  been  connected 
with  the  fortified  sea-side  places  of  Samsoon  and 
Sino^De. 

We  then  rode  alono;  the  foot  of  the  mountains, 
till,  towards  morning,  we  arrived  at  the  town  of 
Farkin  or  rather  at  an  extensive  ruin,  between 
whose  old  pillars  and  arches  detached  mud  huts 
are  built.  Meya-Farkin  must  once  have  been  an 
important  town.  Walls  of  large  and  carefully 
hewn  stones  are,  for  the  greater  part,  still  pre- 
served. Their  construction  is  exactly  similar  to 
that  of  Diarbekir,  only  that  at  Farkin  sandstone  is 
used,  while  Diarbekir  is  built  of  basalt.  Within 
the  walls  are  beautiful  remains  of  churches  and 
houses,  but  they  are  only  ruins,  as  for  hundreds  of 
years  much  has  been  destroyed  and  nothing  restored 
in  this  land.  Our  only  resting  place  was  a  damp 
field,  where  we  stayed  whilst  our  horses  grazed  for 
a  few  hours. 

Though  we  had  been  in  the  saddle  for  ten  hours, 
we  continued  our  journey  the  following  morning, 

E 


50  Selections  from  Letters 

and  rode  for  six  more  lioiirs,  with  the  same  horses — 
our  OAVii  good  horses — and  that  when  they  had  no 
oats  to  eat,  but  only  grass.  At  noon  ^VQ  turned  to 
the  right,  ascending  a  narrow  valley,  to  the  pretty 
toAvn  of  Hasru.  The  surrounding  mountains  have 
greatly  protected  cultivation.  A  beautiful  clear 
mountain  stream,  plantations  of  poplars,  Avhose 
slim  trunks  rise  up  close  to  one  another  like  the 
blades  of  a  corn-field,  large  walnut  and  mulberry 
trees  and  extensive  vineyards,  give  a  most  friendly 
appearance  to  the  place.  A  tent  was  put  u^d  for 
the  Pasha,  on  the  flat  roof  of  the  Musselim's  house, 
from  which  we  had  a  lovely  view  over  the  moun- 
tains and  the  plain,  and  then  we  had  our  much- 
needed  dinner. 

Here,  as  everywhere,  the  Pasha  received  peti- 
tions and  complaints  from  the  inhabitants  and 
checked  many  abuses.  But  as  long  as  the  evil  is 
not  attacked  at  the  root,  such  help  can  only  be 
incomplete. 

The  next  morning  Ave  climbed  a  height  only  to 
descend  on  the  other  side  down  a  path  cut  in  steps. 
I  think  only  native  horses  with  circular  shoes  could 
do  such  a  journey  without  being  lamed.     Towards 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  5  1 

evening  we  reached  Illiclslia,  anotlier  pleasantly 
situated  little  mountain  to-\\Ti.  AVe  entered  with 
the  Pasha  a  beautiful,  vaulted  hall  where  a 
fountain  was  playing ;  and  Ave  did  not  object  to 
some  sherbet  and  pipes,  which  were  offered  to 
us,  nor  did  we  object  to  being  perfumed  with  aloli 
and  sprinkled  with  rose-water. 

After  another  troublesome  ride,  we  arrived 
towards  evening  at  Sivan-Maaden,  a  desolate 
mountain-valley  where  a  foundry  is  to  be  built. 
Some  of  the  horses  could  not  keep  up  ;  the  poor 
animals  had  been  without  food  for  fourteen  hours, 
so  we  halted  for  a  day. 

The  valleys  and  slopes  of  this  mountain-range 
are  covered  with  big  and  small  black  stones  or 
lumps  of  iron  ore  ;  the  richness  of  the  ore  is  so 
great  that  it  contains  more  than  fifty  per  cent,  of 
pure  iron.  In  our  country  iron  has  often  to  be 
brought  up  from  a  depth  of  a  thousand  feet,  with 
great  trouble,  but  here  it  has  only  to  be  picked  up  ; 
there  is  enough  to  last  about  a  hundred  years. 
The  same  abundance  is  found  in  a  mountain-stream 
not  far  off;  this  rivulet  joins  the  Tigris,  and  with 
the  help  of  blasting,  it  could  be  made  navigable. 

E  2 


52  Selections  from  Letters 

A  Frenchman  of  the  name  of  Chatillon  had  been 
sent  here  to  construct  a  furnace,  and  we  were  just 
in  time  to  save  him  from  the  intrigues  of  Turkish 
officials.  The  work,  which  had  made  no  progress 
at  first,  is  now  carried  on  with  great  zeal  by  the 
help  of  the  Pasha. 

"We  also  brought  help  to  a  German  countryman, 
an  honest  and  skilful  blacksmith.  In  the  presence 
of  the  Pasha  he  made  out  of  iron  which  he  had 
smelted  himself,  a  very  good  steel  sword,  for  which 
the  Pasha  rewarded  him  generously.  The  Pasha 
gave  a  beautiful  horse  to  M.  Chatillon,  promised 
to  decorate  him  with  the  Nishan,  if  he  were 
successful,  and  granted  him,  what  was  more 
valuable  than  anything  else,  protection  against  the 
ignorance  and  malice  of  the  proper  authorities. 

The  following  morning  a  two  hours'  ride  brought 
us  to  the  banks  of  the  J\Iurad,  a  south  tributary 
of  the  Euphrates,  which  rushes  along  here  through 
mountains  that  up  to  July  are  covered  with  snow. 
These  mountains  must  be  about  12,000  or  13,000 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  As  you,  my  dear 
Guste,  are  not  the  sole  reader  of  my  letters,  you 
must  not  mind  if  I  make  a  geographical  note  here. 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  53 

It  is  very  remarkable  that  the  tributaries  of  the 
Tigris  spring  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood  of 
the  shores  of  the  Murad,  which  even  in  summer  is 
here  a  river  the  size  of  the  Moselle.  The  springs 
of  two  of  these  rivulets  are  separated  from  the 
Murad  at  most  about  a  thousand  paces,  and  by  a 
slight  elevation,  breaking  through  the  snow-capped 
mountains,  they  only  unite  with  the  waters  to  which 
they  Avere  once  so  near,  after  a  course  of  about 
three  hundred  hours. 

The  Pasha,  a  khan  Avho  was  driven  away  from 
Daghestan,  the  Zeni  of  the  camp,  Mühlbach  and 
myself  as  well  as  some  servants  embarked  now  on 
a  raft  of  sheep-skin.  To  protect  ourselves  from 
the  scorching  sunbeams  we  made  a  roof  of  branches, 
and  so  we  descended  the  rapid  stream  after  our  long, 
fatiguing  journey.  Mighty  heights  rose  on  both 
sides.  Cheerful  villages  were  seen  in  the  shade  of 
the  beautiful  large  trees  in  the  valleys.  The  in- 
habitants plunged  into  the  sea-green  whirlpools  of 
the  stream,  in  order  to  get  for  us  apricots  and  mul- 
berries, which  are  very  fine  and  sweet  here.  A 
rocky  wall  on  the  left,  seven  or  eight  hundred  feet 
high,  was  ^Darticularly  beautiful.  In  some  places  the 


54  Selections  from  Letters 

^vllil•lpools  were  very  ^■iolcnt,  our  "  kelek  "  or  raft 
sliot  along  like  an  arroAv,  and  the  waves,  beating 
on  the  rocks,  came  back  Ibaming  over  our  deck. 
No  boat,  not  even  a  wooden  raft,  could  pass  these 
places,  but  the  sheep-skins  tied  together  hj  thin 
wicker-work,  flexible  like  a  fish,  l:)end  with  the 
Ava^'es  and  rise  on  the  surface  like  a  feather ; 
unless  they  are  swamjoed,  as  we  were  at  Djesireh, 
where  the  pillars  of  the  bridge  formed  a  kind  of 
funnel  six  or  eight  feet  deep.  This  time  we  reached 
Palu,  of  Avhose  high  tower  I  have  told  you  before, 
without  any  accident.  We  now  toiled  up  the 
steep  and  dirty  streets  of  the  town,  and  we  were 
rewarded  by  excellent  quarters  at  the  house  of  a 
rich  and  most  hospitable  Armenian  banker.  Our 
horses  arrived  late  in  tlie  evening.  At  last  we 
reached  Charput  on  the  following  day,  when  we 
did  our  best  to  recoup  our  strength  in  every  way. 
But  in  a  few  days  we  shall,  very  likely,  make  a 
fresh  start  and  go  to  Malatia. 

H.  M. 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  55 

Trou\'ille-siir-nier, 

Department  Calvados, 

September  30th,  1850. 

Deae  Guste, 

I  am  afraid  you  will  think  us  quite  lost, 
and  I  hasten  to  tell  you  that  we  are  well  and  that 
we  have  already  taken  half-a-dozen  sea-baths, 
which  have  been  beneficial. 

Marie  sent  you  our  last  news  from  Rehme.  It 
had  begun  to  be  quite  winterly  there,  when  we 
left  on  the  7tli  inst.  "VVe  stayed  a  few  days  at 
Koblentz  where  we  saw  many  old  friends  ;  this  was 
a  great  change  after  our  life  at  Magdeburg.  We 
went  by  steamer  to  Frankfort-on-the-Maine, 
admiring  the  beautiful  banks  of  the  Rhine,  then 
by  train  through  the  lovely  country  of  the  Palati- 
nate to  Metz,  a  beautiful  old  city  with  a  magnifi- 
cent cathedral  and  French  fortifications.  But  the 
monotonous  French  chalk  plateau  begins  here 
with  the  dull  country  of  Champagne,  and  this 
monotony  is  uninterrupted  till  you  reach  Soissons, 
where  the  country  begins  to  be  pleasant  and  the 
railway  takes  you  along  by  the  Marne  to  Paris  in 
a  few  hours. 


56  Selections  from  Letters 

We  remained  a  "sveek  there,  favoured  with  most 
beautiful  -weather,  that  we  might  have  time  to 
see  the  2^1'iiicipal  sights  of  this  immense  capitah 
Our  hotel  was  situated  on  the  boulevards  at  one  of 
the  most  interesting  points  of  the  city.  After  an 
early  cup  of  coffee  we  used  to  set  oiF,  and  did  not 
return  till  evening,  much  fatigued  by  the  pleasures 
of  the  day.  In  the  mornings  we  looked  about  the 
to-vvn,  we  saw  the  Tuileries,  Champs  Elysees,  Notre 
Dame,  Jardin  des  plantes,  and  the  shops  which, 
rivalling  each  other  in  magnificence,  occupy 
the  ground-floors  in  almost  all  the  streets.  It  is 
astonishing  what  a  variety  of  things  is  offered 
for  sale,  and  how  tastefully,  not  only  silks  and 
caps  and  bonnets,  but  also  eatables,  fish,  game, 
cheese,  and  fruit,  are  arranged.  It  is  marvellous 
whence  the  purchasers  of  all  these  delicacies 
come,  all  the  more  so  as  everything  is  ex- 
pensive. 

The  distances  are  so  great  that  one  cannot  count 
upon  having  one's  meals  at  home.  But  meals  are 
served  everywhere.  The  dinners  a  la  carte  are 
excellent,  but  the  prices  are  very  high.  We  kept 
your  birthday  at  the  celebrated  "  Very  "   in  the 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  57 

Palais  Royal  (now  Xational)  with  a  dejeuner  and 
good  champagne. 

In  the  afternoons  we  used  to  take  the  train  to 
Versailles,  St.  Cloud,  Meudon,  St.  Denis,  etc.,  and 
were  generally  favoured  with  fine  weather.  We 
dined  at  six  o'clock  and  went  to  the  opera  or 
theatre  at  eight.  We  have  been  at  the  Varietes, 
where  five  pieces  are  performed  one  after  the  other, 
the  Theatre  Fran9ais  and  the  Opera. 

As  the  season  was  advancing  we  had  to  think 
seriously  of  our  intended  sea-baths.  The  railway 
from  Paris  to  Havre  by  Rouen  runs  through 
a  beautiful  country  in  the  lovely  Seine  valley. 
Many  bridges  cross  over  the  winding  river,  and 
viaducts,  a  hundred  feet  high,  are  built  over  the 
valleys.  After  crossing  one  of  these  viaducts  the 
train  rushes  with  tremendous  rapidity  towards 
a  steep  chalk  wall ;  it  seems  as  if  it  must  be 
wrecked,  when  suddenly,  entering  a  long  tunnel  of 
about  two  thousand  paces,  it  emerges  upon  an 
entirely  different  country.  Rouen,  the  capital  of 
the  old  Normans,  those  bold  Norwegian  pirates 
who  conquered  England,  Sicily,  and  Naples,  and 
carried  their  banners  even  as  far  as  the  gates  of 


58  Selections   from  Letters 

Jerusalem,  is  one  of  tlic  finest  cities  of  the  world. 
The  cutliedral  and  the  "  Palais  de  justice "  are 
beautiful  buildin^-s,  far  surpassing  those  of  Notre 
Dame  and  St.  Denis. 

We  found  the  sea-baths  at  Ha\'rc  uninviting, 
and  decided  to  cross  the  mouth  of  the  Seine, 
Avhicli  is  about  the  width  of  tAvo  German  miles, 
to  come  to  Trouville,  a  charming  little  town  with  a 
lovely  beach  for  bathing.  On  both  sides  rise  the 
chalk  cliffs  of  Normandy,  covered  Avith  fine 
forests,  and  croAvned  with  beautiful  chateaux. 
A  little  river  with  wide  green  meadows  on  both 
banks  is  used  as  harbour,  where  day  by  day  the 
oyster-fishers  go  out  to  sea,  bringing  home  excellent 
soles,  turbots,  large  rusty  dabs  with  their  long 
tails  and  all  kinds  of  tasty  sea-monsters,  whose 
names  I  do  not  know  in  German. 

Our  room  looks  out  on  to  the  boundless  sea, 
and  only  on  the  right  rises  the  promontory  of 
Havre,  with  its  lighthouses.  Large  steamers  are 
to  be  seen  along  the  horizon,  and  in  every  direction 
fishing  boats  are  crossing  the  water,  whose  high 
waves,  at  the  present  moment,  are  beating  with 
tremendous  roaring  against  the  shore.     A   fresh 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  59 

north-westerly  wind  is  blowing.  Rapidly  moving 
clouds  come  down  noAv  and  then  in  heavy  showers, 
and  it  requires  some  strength  of  mind  to  bathe  in 
the  sea,  especially  after  the  warm  baths  at  Rehme. 
But  this  bathing  is  much  more  invigorating.  As 
long  as  the  tide  permits,  we  shall  bathe  at  ten 
o'clock  ;  at  half-past  ten  we  have  dejeuner,  an 
excellent  meal.  We  have  hired  horses  and  are 
now  able  to  make  excursions  into  the  country. 
Dinner  is  served  at  half-past  five  o'clock,  with 
many  different  courses,  each  one  excelling  the  other, 
and  in  addition  we  have  excellent  appetites,  which 
enable  us  to  appreciate  the  good  things.  Life 
in  this  place  is  not  expensive ;  and  so  we  have 
decided  to  continue  our  baths  here  as  long  as 
ever  the  weather  permits,  and  then  to  make  a  short 
trip  to  England,  going  by  Dieppe  and  Boulogne. 
I  hope  all  is  going  well  with  you. 

Helmuth. 

Wildbad,  October  4th,  1868. 
Dear  Guste, 

It  is  time  to  give  you  news  of  us  at  last, 
as  half  of   our   time  here    has    already    passed. 


6o  Selections  from  Letters 

AVe  arc  rather  late  this  year,  most  of  the  visitors 
arc  ah'cady  leaving-.  The  few  that  are  left  are 
chiefly  invalids,  many  of  them  suffering  from 
paralysis.  It  rains  almost  every  day  in  this  hill 
country,  but  when  the  sun  breaks  through  the 
clouds,  it  is  very  beautiful  in  the  narrow  wooded 
valley  of  the  Enz.  Here,  as  everywhere  in  the 
Black  Forest,  thick  fir-woods  cover  the  hills  and  at 
their  feet  are  meadows  of  a  lovely  fresh  green.  "Well- 
kept  paths  lead  up  to  the  hills  in  all  directions. 

The  baths  are  beautiful  and  quite  unique. 
They  are  made  of  china,  the  natural  granite 
forming  the  bottom  of  the  bath,  which  is  carefully 
covered  Avith  sand  to  protect  the  feet.  Im- 
mediately out  of  the  rock  gushes  the  warm  spring, 
twenty-seven  and  a  half  degrees  R.  which  supplies 
the  baths  with  water  of  the  same  temperature 
without  any  interruption. 

This  water  is  similar  to  the  springs  at  Gastein 
and  Ragatz.  Chemical  analysis  has  not  discovered 
any  other  constituents  in  it  but  those  of  distilled 
water,  and  the  effect  seems  to  be  based  upon  the 
natural  warmth  of  the  earth,  upon  magnetic  or 
electric  power,  two  agents  with  which  science  is  at 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  6j 

present  but  imperfectly  acquainted.  At  first  tlie 
baths  made  me  very  tired,  and  I  suffered  again 
from  palpitations  of  the  heart,  as  I  did  thirty  years 
ago.  But  now  they  agree  well  with  me.  The 
physicians  tell  me  that  the  baths  stir  up  all  old 
complaints,  but  that  they  also  cure  them.  To  tell 
you  the  truth,  I  think  that  six  weeks  at  Creisau 
will  do  me  more  good  than  at  any  watering-place. 

Marie  has  taken  ten  baths,  and  is  in  excellent 
health. 

The  food  is  very  good  here,  and  [we  have  every 
comfort.  The  North  German  Postal  Union  is 
delightful ;  I  can  send  my  letter  from  the  Black 
Forest  to  Lübeck  for  one  gr.  (one  penny),  a  dis- 
tance of  150  German  miles. 

I  cannot  get  Marie  aAvay  from  her  book  about 
horse-breeding,  therefore  I  can  only  send  her 
love  to  you  and  Fritz  to-day. 

Most  affectionately, 

Helmutii. 

Berlin,  December  10th,  1868. 
Dear  Guste, 

Marie  has  fallen  seriously  ill ;  it  seems  to  be 


62  Selections  from  Letters 

rlieiimatic  fe\'Oi'.  It  begun  with  very  violent  pains 
in  lier  right  fout,  then  in  her  left,  and  now  it  has 
seized  the  Avhole  of  the  left  side,  so  that  she  can 
only  move  her  right  arm.  The  excessive  pain  has 
decreased,  but  she  is  not  able  to  move  without 
assistance. 

The  illness  is  a  dangerous  one,  and  i\Ir.  Pescli 
tells  us  it  will  last  six  weeks.  God  grant  that  the 
next,  the  most  dangerous  days,  may  he  safely 
passed.  ]\Iarie  has  had  some  sleep  with  the  helj) 
of  morphia. 

I  have  j)ut  off  our  Christmas  guests,  engaged  a 
nurse,  and  of  course,  everything  that  can  possibly 
relieve  poor  Marie's  pains  will  be  done. 

It  would  be  a  great  comfort,  dear  Guste,  to  have 
you  here,  but  I  can  scarcely  expect  you  to  come. 

I  shall  write  again  as  soon  as  a  change  for  the 
better  or  the  worse  occurs. 

Helmuth. 

P.S.  It  seems  to  me  as  if  Marie  were  better  to- 
day. A  mustard-plaster  seems  to  give  her  relief. 
She  has  a  little  appetite,  and  the  fever  is  not  so 
high.     Three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  63 

Beiiiu,  January  4tli,  1869. 
7.30  a.m. 

Deaii  Guste, 

I  am  very  vexed  with  my  second  aide-de- 
camp  for  not  having  called  me.  I  woke  up  early, 
but  when  I  had  lit  my  candle,  I  saw  that  it 
was  only  half-past  three  o'clock ;  I  lay  dov,ii 
again,  half  dressed,  and  did  not  wake  up  till  I 
heard  the  carriage  drive  through  the  gatcAvay. 
I  should  have  liked  so  much  to  tell  you  again, 
how  thankful  I  am  for  your  devotion  and  self- 
sacrifice  in  nursing  my  poor  j\Iarie,  and  what 
a  comfort  you  were  to  me,  during  the  first  sad 
days  after  her  death.  Such  kindness  is  only  to 
be  repaid  by  gratitude  and  love,  but  misfortune 
must  soften  the  hard  crust  of  human  hearts  to 
brin<?  them  closer  too-ether.  And  how  much  kind 
sympathy  1  have  received  from  all  my  other 
relations ;  may  God  reward  you  all. 

It  is  a  great  comfort  to  me  that  Henry  is 
coming,  nothing  could  be  more  welcome  to  me, 
and  I  will  write  to-day  to  thank  the  good  King  for 
his  delicate  attentions.  I  should  not  like  to 
detain  dear  Jeannette  here  more  than  a  few  days 


64  Selections  from  Letters 

longer.      Slie  will  be  much  missed  at  Segeberg, 
and  Avitli  Henry  here  I  shall  get  on. 

I  cherish  the  hope  that  avc  shall  all  spend  the 
summer  together  quietly  where  we  still  have  to 
lay  our  dear  departed  for  her  last  rest.  I  hope 
to  receive  the  plan  for  the  chapel  to-day,  and  shall 
then  give  orders  for  its  building  at  once. 

With  best  love  and  deep  gratitude. 

Your  brother, 
Helmuth. 

Meaux,  September  16th,  1870. 

Dear  Guste, 

My  best  greetings  and  hearty  congratula- 
tions for  your  birthday ;  want  of  time  prevents 
me  from  collecting  my  thoughts  enough  to  write 
a  long  letter.  My  mind  is  continually  dwelling 
on  our  one  aim,  and  in  spite  of  all  our  success 
I  am  weighed  down  by  the  cares  of  one  day  after 
another.  The  responsibility  is  too  great,  and  the 
continual  strain  most  trying. 

Your  letters  and  Fritz's,  which  I  receive  from 
time  to  time  from  our  quiet  home,  are  very 
refreshing,  but  you  also  arc  too  nearly  concerned 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  65 

to  be  able  to  enjoy  it.  Up  to  now  God  has 
graciously  protected  our  people  in  the  midst  of 
dreadful  losses  and  deaths.  I  feel  rather  ex- 
hausted, but  I  am  fortunate  in  sleeping  soundly, 
which  always  refreshes  me  again. 

We  have  fine  weather  at  last,  but  only  nine  or  ten 
R.  degrees  of  warmth,  and  without  a  fire  the  north 
rooms  in  the  Palace  of  the  Bishop  of  Meaux  would 
be  unbearable.  I  suppose  it  is  not  any  warmer 
with  vou.  If  we  had  but  come  to  the  end  of 
this.  I  hope  for  an  early  peace  before  the 
renewal  of  this  blood-sheddins;.  The  boastinc;  of 
the  Paris  authorities  only  shows  their  weakness. 
Much  must  be  soon  decided. 

With  heartiest  o-reetino-s, 

Helmuth. 


Versailles,  December  20th,  1870. 
Dear  Guste, 

As  this  time  of  the  year  comes  round  and  I 
remember  our  beloved  Marie's  suff*erings,  I  often 
think  with  true  thankfulness  of  the  self-sacrificing 
care  that  you  lavished  upon  her.     I  think  it  Avas 

P 


66  Selections  from  Letters 

on  this  very  day,  two  years  ago,  after  having 
watched  with  her  the  whole  night,  that  you  called 
me  in  the  morning  with  the  joyful  news  that  ]\Iarie 
was  sleeping  quietly.  But  our  reviving  hopes 
were  not  to  be  fulfilled.  God  had  willed  other- 
wise, and  so  it  will  be  best.  He  has  taken  her  to 
Himself  in  the  prime  of  life,  strength,  and  beauty, 
and  spared  her  all  the  hardships  of  old  age.  It  is 
a  great  comfort  to  me  that  all  your  letters,  for 
which  I  thank  you  heartily,  show  that  you  are 
resigned.  I  have  to  ask  her  forgiveness  for  many 
things,  but  I  do  not  doubt  she  will  grant  it,  nor  that 
she  will  greet  me  in  another  life,  when  these  suf- 
ferings are  ended,  as  she  did  at  the  station  when  I 
returned  from  the  campaign  in  1866  ;•  and  I  often 
long  for  this  time. 

But  my  great  wish  is  first  to  see  the  great  work 
finished  in  which  I  am  called  to  help.  And  before 
this  can  be,  we  shall  have  to  fight  great  battles, 
and  difficulties  which  have  to  be  overcome,  sur- 
round us  on  all  sides.  But  the  Lord  avIio  has 
helped  us  so  far,  will  continue  His  help. 

I  must  send  you  my  best  wishes  for  Christmas, 
although  for  us  it  Avill  always  be  connected  with  a 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  67 

time  of  sadness.  The  Lord  took  Marie  to  Himself 
on  the  day  when  salvation  was  brought  to  mankind. 
I  thank  Fritz  for  the  welcome  present  of  a  foot- 
bag,  which  is  a  bivouac  in  itself.  I  have  nothing 
better  to  send  from  here  than  a  case  of  champagne, 
this  I  do,  however,  requesting  you  to  empty  it. 

Helmuth. 


Miilliausen,  August  17th,  1872. 
At  Munich  we  saw  the  opera,  "  The  Huguenots," 
which  was  very  well  given,  but  we  went  home 
before  the  last  act,  as  I  had  to  leave  the  following 
morning  at  six  o'clock.  At  Kempten  we  found  the 
whole  town  assembled  at  the  station,  as  the  Crown 
Prince  had  just  arrived  from  Hohenschwangan. 
He  introduced  me  to  a  short  gentleman  in  undress, 
who  was  no  one  else  than — the  King  of  Naples, 
an  exiled  monarch,  whose  deposition  was  caused 
indirectly  by  the  victories  of  the  German  Army 
over  Austria  and  France.  He  had  now  to  witness 
an  ovation  to  a  German  general,  which  he  did  with 
great  dignity.  I  too  received  some  of  the  "  hurrahs." 
At  Linden,  immense  enthusiasm,  girls  clad  in  white, 

r  2 


68  Selections  from  Letters 

flowers,  &c.  Here  the  Crown  Prince  was  received 
by  the  Grand  Duke  of  Baden,  who  insisted  upon 
my  coming  to  the  ]\[ainaii.  The  crossing  to  the 
charming  island  on  the  hike  of  Constance  in  beau- 
tiful weather  Avas  delightful,  and  our  stay  there 
was  made  most  agreeable  by  the  happy  family  life 
of  the  excellent  Grand  Duchess  and  her  children. 
Her  Majesty  the  Empress  was  there,  and  very 
gracious.  The  following  morning,  after  a  family 
breakfast,  the  Grand  Duke  sent  me  by  carriage  to 
Constance,  whence  I  travelled  by  rail  through  the 
lovely  country  close  to  the  Falls  of  the  Rhine  at 
SchafFhausen  by  Basle  to  Miühausen. 


Innspruck,  October  IGtli,  1875. 
"With  Paul  Groterjahn  I  say  very  contentedly, 
"  Xow  we  are  here,"  i.e.  at  a  tolerably  good  hotel 
in  a  room  with  a  fire.  It  rained  continually  all 
the  way  from  Bci'lin,  and  was  so  cold  that  I 
could  not  sleep  during  the  night.  This  train,  the 
express  to  Munich,  is  altered  during  the  winter 
months ;  it  begins  about  midnight  to  slacken 
speed,  and  instead  of  reaching  our  destination  at 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  69 

6  a.m.,  we  did  not  arrive  till  11  a.m.  I  at  once 
went  to  see  Professor  Lenbacli  who  has  three  un- 
finished jDortraits  of  me  ;  the  best,  when  finished, 
he  Avill  send  to  the  Berlin  exhibition.  In  the 
eveninii:  I  Avent  to  the  theatre  with  de  Claer.  We 
saw  the  "  Fledermaus,"  a  scandalous  French  comic 
opera,  clumsily  played  by  German  actors. 

We  continued  our  journey  at  nine  o'clock  to-day ; 
the  rain  resumed  its  business.  At  the  station  we 
met  Steinäcker,  Winterfeldt,  and  Lindequist  of 
the  Emperor's  suite,  and  Ave  travelled  in  the  same 
carriage.  The  Secretary  of  State,  v.  Billow,  and 
Count  Bismarck  Avere  also  in  the  train.  Prince 
Bismarck  is  not  comins^.  We  could  see  but  little 
of  the  charming  country,  only  now  and  then  the 
clouds  parted  and  alloAved  us  a  glimpse  of  the 
mountains  freshly  poAvdered  over  Avith  snow. 
Kufstein,  the  Austrian  fortress  on  the  Bavarian 
side,  is  beautifully  situated.  Two  mountain-forts 
Avith  mighty  towers  and  numerous  loopholes  com- 
mand the  narroAv  valley  of  the  Inn.  At  present 
they  are  principally  used  for  State  prisoners,  who 
can  enjoy  this  beautiful  country. 

As  the  Aveather  is  so  bad  Ave  shall  not  do  much 


yo  Selections  from  Letters 

moi'e  than  visit  the  cathedral.  In  the  middle  of  the 
nave  stands  the  monument  of  the  Emperor  Maxi- 
milian I.,  the  last  of  the  knights  ;  on  either  side  are 
eight-and-twenty  gigantic  bronze  statues,  most  of 
them  ancestors  of  the  Emperor.  The  statue  of 
King  Arthur  must  be  by  Peter  Vischer.  This  is 
a  figure  with  such  life  and  realitv  that  one  miofht 
imao;ine  him  walkin<2:  about  durino-  the  nijrht 
amidst  his  iron  nei2:hbours. 


Milan,  October  20th. 
On  the  17th,  the  Emperor  arrived  at  Innspruck, 
Avhere  he  was  received  with  every  mark  of  honour, 
but  the  immense  crowd  observed  a  deep  silence, 
and  this  was  the  case  throughout  the  whole  of  the 
German  Tyrol.  The  weather  became  clearer  the 
farther  south  we  went.  The  journey  over  the 
Brenner  is  very  picturesque.  In  an  ascent  of 
40 :  1  the  railway  makes  such  numerous  and  sharp 
curves  that  one  sees  the  country  all  round  as  well 
as  if  one  were  driving.  There  is  generally  a  great 
abyss  on  one  side.  At  the  top  of  the  pass  I  re- 
membered the  inn  with  a  Inroad  roof,  one  gutter 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  71 

of  which  drains  into  the  Black  Sea,  the  other  into 
the  Adriatic.  From  this  point  the  descent  is  so 
winding  that  some  of  the  gentlemen  reached  the 
next  station  quicker  on  foot  than  we  by  train.  Now 
the  vegetation  beojins  to  show  a  southern  character, 
first  walnut-trees  and  vines,  at  Botzen  fig-trees 
and  cypresses.  At  Trent  we  dined  at  7  p.m. ;  by 
moonlight  we  saw  the  well-laid-out  streets,  and 
the  fortress-like  Bishop's  palace,  where  300  years 
ago  the  Council  of  Trent  was  held,  whose  settle- 
ments the  infallible  pope  will  no  longer  recognize. 
The  inn  where  I  stayed  must  have  been  an  old 
palace.  The  lofty  hall,  where  the  badly  smelling 
stove  gave  no  warmth,  may  have  been  occupied  in 
former  times  by  a  high  ecclesiastical  dignitary. 

We  continued  our  journey  on  the  18th  in  bright 
sunshine.  Passing  the  remarkable  hermitage  of 
Verona,  we  entered  the  plain  of  Lombardy.  The 
whole  garrison  of  Verona  had  marched  out  and 
paraded,  and  the  forts  saluted.  If  the  people 
in  the  North  Tyrol  received  us  in  silence,  those 
in  the  South,  on  the  contrary,  were  loud  in 
their  acclamations,  which  became  even  heartier 
when  we  entered  Italy.     We  had  a  beautiful  view 


72  Selections  from  Letters 

of  Lake  Garda  siuTounded  by  suoAv-covered 
inoimtains,  then  the  scenery  became  somewhat 
monotonous,  fertile  üelds  covered  "svith  mulbeny- 
trees  and  vineyards  and  -watered  by  canals,  Avhere 
the  vine  is  trained  in  festoons. 

From  early  morning  we  were  en  grande  tenue 
with  orders  and  ribands.     At  Bero-amo  we  made 

o 

our  (h'jeuner,  and  at  ]\Iilan  the  King  met  our 
Emperor  at  the  station.  Li  a  long  procession  of 
more  than  twenty  carriages  we  drove  slowly 
through  the  beautiful  streets,  accomjDanied  by  the 
endless  shouting  of  the  dense  crowd.  The  first 
presentations  were  followed  by  the  banquet  and 
the  illumination  of  the  cathedral  with  white,  green 
and  red  lights.  On  the  Palazzo  Reale,  adjoining 
the  cathedral  square,  stood  about  200,000  people 
closely  packed  ;  perfect  order  and  quiet  prevailed. 
No  force  of  police  could  succeed  like  that  in  our 
country.  Xotwithstanding  the  population  of 
Milan  is  very  independent ;  nobody  could  force 
them  to  be  enthusiastic  ;  but  the  huri'ahs  were 
endless  when  the  Emperor  and  the  King  stepped 
out  on  to  the  balcony.  The  well-known  cathedral, 
built  entirely  of  white  marble,  omamented  with 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  J2> 

more  than  a,  thousand  statuettes,  with  innumerable 
spires  and  notches,  is  very  impressive,  and  when 
lit  up,  quite  fairy-like.  Late  at  night  de  Claer  and 
I,  and  General  Tavema,  who  is  in  attendance  on 
me,  went  (but  incognito  and  in  undress)  through 
the  magnificent  gallery,  which  was  illuminated  by 
thousands  of  gas  flames.  Bands  were  playing  on 
the  squares,  and  the  immense  crowd  went  about 
quietly  in  perfect  order  without  needing  any 
control  by  the  state  "  carabinieri."  Such  conduct 
is  the  fruit  of  ancient  culture,  perhaps  only 
possessed  by  the  Northern  Italian.  The  unavoid- 
able parade  took  place  on  the  19th.  The  battalions, 
formed  in  two  ranks,  numbered  not  more  than 
three  hundred  and  fifty  men,  who  looked  in  good 
order  and  well  disciplined.  They  defiled  with  eyes 
left,  to  enable  the  princesses  and  ladies  to  have  a 
full  view  from  a  loggia.  It  was  an  impressive 
picture  on  the  im^mense  square  near  the  old 
citadel. 

I  had  caught  a  severe  cold  on  the  journey  to 
Munich,  became  feverish  and  went  to  bed. 
Steinacker  sent  me  some  homoeopathic  drops.  I 
only  got  up  to  attend  the  gala-dinner  in  the  even- 


74  Selections  from  Letters 

ins:  at  seven  o'clock.  I  had  not  been  able  to  touch 
anything  the  day  before,  and  after  ten  minutes  in 
the  Scala  I  had  to  drive  home  and  lie  down.  The 
immense  house,  magnificently  lit  up,  was  an 
imposing  sight.  The  boxes  were  let  for  as  much  as 
800  francs,  and  in  tlie  first  six  rows  everybody 
wore  evening  dress  and  white  ties.  Of  course  the 
Emperor  was  welcomed  most  enthusiastically.  I 
have  pretty  mx41  cured  myself  with  sleep  and 
starvation.  But  unfortunately  a  sirocco  is  blow- 
ing, and  it  rains  continually.  We  drove  to 
Monza,  but  the  hunt  did  not  come  off.  Even  the 
beautiful  park  could  only  be  seen  from  the  castle. 
But  I  went  on  to  the  quaint  old  cathedral,  where 
many  treasures  were  shown  to  us  ;  amongst  others 
the  iron  crown  with  which  forty-five  Emperors 
have  been  cro"vvned  ;  the  Emperor  Francis  being 
the  last.  Hidden  by  gold  and  jewels  is  an  iron 
circle,  made  of  the  nails  which  fastened  Jesus  to 
the  Cross. 

October  21st.  After  coffee  at  8  a.m.,  one  does 
not  feel  very  much  inclined  at  10  a.m.  for  a  dejeuner, 
which  is  really  a  dinner.  But  after  this  had  been 
endured  and  their  Majesties  had  left  for  Monza, 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  75 

vre  liad  time  to  see  Milan,  beginning  with  the 
cathedral.  Inside,  through  the  soft  subdued  light, 
far  away  in  the  background,  is  seen  a  mighty 
golden  cross.  The  full  size  of  the  cathedral  does 
not  apjDcar  at  first.  Its  enormous  length  can  only 
be  realized  from  the  steps  of  the  high  altar,  under- 
neath which  lie  the  remains  of  the  canonized 
Charles  Borromeo.  The  vaulted  ceiling,  two 
hundred  feet  high,  is  beautifully  painted,  and  has 
the  effect  of  lace-work.  When  you  have  ascended 
an  endless  staircase  and  are  out  on  the  marble  roof, 
a  whole  forest  of  tall  spires  and  richly  carved 
arches  can  be  seen.  On  each  little  spire  are  a  dozen 
saints ;  there  are  said  to  be  seven  thousand  figui^es, 
but  I  have  not  counted  them ;  each  one  is  a  work 
of  art.  A  few  more  hundred  steps  bring  you  to 
the  slender  spire,  and  from  here  at  a  height  of  four 
hundred  feet,  all  Milan  can  be  overlooked  ;  unfortu- 
nately, in  spite  of  sunshine,  the  fog  hid  the  Alpine 
chain,  which  is  generally  visible.  After  we  had 
descended,  luckily  without  any  accident,  we  drove 
to  St.  Ambrogio,  the  oldest  church  of  the  city, 
unchanged  and  preserved  in  the  pure  Romanesque 
style   of  the    fourth    century.       Count    Taverna 


76  Selections  from  Letters 

showed  us  a  ■\vell-prcscr\ccl  fresco  portrait  of  his 
ancestor  Avith  the  inscrij^tion  of  his  name.  The 
serpent  of  the  Garden  of  Eden,  the  cause  of  all 
our  misery,  can  be  seen  here  (in  iron).  Mass 
books  from  the  third  century  were  shown  to  us  ; 
also  the  crypt  which  was  the  refuge  of  the  early 
Christians,  and  numerous  objects  of  beautiful 
workmanship  set  with  jewels.  The  gilt  mosaics  of 
the  apse  remind  one  of  those  of  St.  Mark's  at 
Venice. 

In  one  of  the  liveliest  streets  between  the  shops 
and  eating-houses  a  long  row  of  pillars,  the  remains 
of  a  temple  of  Minerva,  have  a  very  strange  effect. 
At  the  Brera  we  only  saw  the  principal  master- 
pieces, above  all  the  Sposalizio,  by  Raphael. 
Among  modern  works,  the  portraits  of  Manzoni 
and  Cavour  were  interesting.  In  the  afteiTioon  I 
had  pleasant  visits  from  General  Cialdini,  and 
the  Prime  Minister,  Minghetti. 

In  the  room  Avliich  I  occupy  the  Consul  Xapo- 
leon  Buonaparte  once  stayed ;  the  gilt  bed  is  still 
ornamented  with  the  French  eagles ;  the  little  room 
adjoining,  where  Henry  sleeps,  was  probably  that 
of  his  mameluke. 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  "]-] 

October  22nd.  Last  night  there  was  a  state 
ball ;  the  enormous  hall  was  lit  up  by  several 
thousands  of  candles,  and  was  densely  crowded, 
when  the  Court  and  suite  entered.  Chairs,  behind 
which  the  gentlemen  stood,  were  placed  for  all  the 
ladies  in  a  large  circle,  so  as  to  leave  the  centre 
free  for  the  dancers.  A  linen  drugget  was  spread 
on  the  floor,  as  it  is  not  the  fashion  to  have 
parqueted  floors  here.  This  circumstance  and 
the  trains  of  the  ladies'  dresses  must  render 
dancing  very  difficult ;  the  Prussian  gentlemen 
were  the  best  dancers.  It  was  impossible  to 
move  about,  and  at  midnight  I  was  glad  to 
withdra^v. 

Tliis  morning  King  Victor  Emmanuel  sent  his 
minister,  commissioned  to  present  me  with  a 
marble  bust  of  His  Majesty,  larger  than  life-size. 
The  king  received  me  immediately  afterwards,  in 
undress  and  without  ceremony.  After  a  long  and 
very  friendly  conversation,  he  said  :  "  Embrassez- 
moi "  and  kissed  me  with  his  long  moustache  on 
both  cheeks. 

Our  journey  home  is  fixed  for  to-mon'ow ;  at 
Botzen  we  shall  stay  a  night,  but  then  we  hope 


78  Selections  from  Letters 

to  arrive  at  Berlin  in  the  afternoon  of  ]\Ionday,  the 
25th,  without  any  further  delay, 

Your  brother, 

Helmuth. 

Rome,  April  6th,  1876. 
Dear  Guste, 

AYhile  Henry  is  ascending  the  dome  of  St. 
Peter's,  I  can  tell  you  something  of  our  stay  here 
instead  of  his  doing  so.  We  could  not  possibly 
have  been  received  more  amiably  and  courteously. 
We  occupy  a  suite  of  rooms  in  Palace  CafFarelli, 
provided  with  every  possible  luxury  and  comfort. 
On  the  writing-table  before  me  stands  Marie's 
photograph  amidst  roses  and  azaleas.  On  the  left 
through  the  open  door  leading  on  to  the  balcony, 
through  which  the  sun  shines  in  brightly,  the 
eye  rests  upon  a  garden  of  laurels,  pine-trees, 
palms,  and  flowers  ;  and  farther  away  to  the  Pala- 
tine are  seen  the  mighty  ruins  of  Augustus'  palace 
as  large  as  the  entire  original  Rome,  behind  which 
rise  the  Albanian  mountains,  with  their  wooded 
slopes,  and  the  j)alaces  and  villas  of  Frascati  and 
Grotta  Ferrata. 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  79 

Palace  CafFarelli  stands,  as  you  may  know,  on 
the  Capitoline  hill,  crowned  in  olden  days  by  the 
Arx  or  Citadel,  the  taking  of  which  was  averted 
by  the  cackling  of  the  geese.  From  the  windows 
on  the  north  side  modem  Rome  is  to  be  seen  with 
its  numerous  churches  and  cupolas,  palaces  and 
spires  as  far  as  the  mighty  buildings  of  the  Vatican, 
St.  Angelo  and  St.  Peter's.  But  from  the 
south  side  are  seen  the  Forum  Romanum,  the 
Colosseum,  the  triumphal  Arches  of  Constantine, 
Trajan  and  Titus,  the  baths  of  Nero  and  Caracalla, 
the  campagna  with  the  arches  of  the  aqueducts 
continuing  for  miles,  in  short,  the  whole  past  of 
the  Eternal  City. 

Her  future  strength  seems  to  be  sought  at  the 
Quirinal ;  for  while  the  Papacy  tamely  ends  its 
tenacious  life  in  voluntary  exile,  the  capital  of  a 
richly  gifted  united  people  will  become  a  new  city 
with  modern  streets,  gigantic  ministerial  buildings 
and  barracks.  These  modern  cloisters,  with  the 
rules  and  habits  of  their  orders,  their  temporary 
celibacy  and  vows,  are  no  hermitages.  And  the 
ancient  Aurelian  wall,  1500  years  old,  encloses  even 
to-day  all   these  contrasts,  commencing  with  the 


So  Selections  from  Letters 

power  of  the  Imperators,  the  constancy  of  the 
]\Iartyrs,  the  victory  and  the  secularization  of 
the  Papacy,  and  finally  the  moral  idea  of  the 
State.  In  other  cities  j)resent  times  have  wiped 
away  the  past,  here  we  find  them  both  together. 

King  Victor  Emmanuel  is  staying  at  present 
at  a  country-house  not  far  from  Florence,  Ijut  the 
Crown  Prince  has  granted  me  an  audience  for 
to-day  in  the  Quirinal.  On  the  afternoon  of  our 
arrival  we  met  the  Princess,  as  we  dro^'e  to  the 
Milvian  Bridge.  She  was  Avalking,  and  knew  us  at 
once,  and  it  was  impossible  to  remain  incognito  any 
lono'cr  ;  the  ^Minister  of  War  has  ordered  Count 
Tavema  to  be  my  attache,  as  he  was  at  Milan.  AVe 
hope  that  Herr  von  Keudell  will  return  here  from 
Berlin  next  Sunday.  ]\Ieanwhile,  his  wife  pro- 
vides us  with  everything  necessary  and  agreeable  ; 
she  is  very  attentive  and  kind  to  us. 

Hoping  that  you  may  derive  much  benefit  from 
Marienbad, 

I  remain. 

Your  brother, 

Helmuth. 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  8r 

Rome,  April  19tli,  187G. 

Dear  Guste, 

Your  letter  of  the  12tli  brought  me  very 
welcome  news  from  home,  and  I  send  you  my 
best  thanks.  I  think  of  leaving  for  Naples  (where 
I  hope  it  will  be  warmer)  on  Friday  or  at  the 
latest  Saturday.  AYe  should  not  like  to  take  too 
much  advantage  of  the  kindness  of  the  dear 
Keudells.  Nobody  could  be  treated  better  than 
Ave  have  been  this  last  fortnight.  We  have  pro- 
mised to  be  j)resent  to-morrow  at  a  festival  of  the 
German  artists  here.  And  after  that  will  be  the 
best  time  to  end  our  stay. 

Bulwer's  "  Last  Days  of  Pompeii  "  will  interest 
me  much,  when  we  have  seen,  which  I  hope  will 
be  soon,  the  new  excavations  and  the  offender 
Yesuvius.  The  great  museum,  Mother  Earth,  has 
carefully  preserved  in  her  bosom  a  whole  town  as 
it  disappeared,  in  one  day,  eighteen  hundred  years 
ago,  in  the  midst  of  life.  The  past  has  here  been 
discovered  in  flagranti,  and  has  been  brought  to 
lisflit  ao-ain. 

Of  my  Milanese  friends,  I  have  met  Menabrea, 
Cialdini  and  Bertole  Yiale  again.    I  have  also  made 


82  Selections  from  Letters 

the  acquaintance  of  the  new  ministers  Dej)retis  and 
Mezzacapo,  who  were  all  invited  to  dejeuner  at  the 
Keudells'. 

The  sun  shines  warm  and  brioht  tlirouo;h  the 
windows,  the  freshest  green  covers  the  wide  cam- 
pagna  as  far  as  the  eye  reaches.  There  are  the 
ruins  of  a  past  world,  high  arches  of  endless  aque- 
ducts and  numerous  monuments,  which  served  as 
fortresses  in  the  middle  ages,  and  as  swallows 
build,  so  the  paltry  life  of  the  present  has  reared 
its  huts  under  the  protection  of  these  mighty 
remains. 

Under  our  balcony  is  a  whole  forest  of  azaleas 
in  blossom ;  round  the  fountain  "  Die  Myi^the  still 
und  hoch  der  Lorbeer  steht,"  a  palm  planted  by 
Frederick  AVilliam  IV.,  looks  rather  melancholy  in 
the  wind,  and  a  white  and  red  climbing  rose 
covers  everything  with  thousands  of  blossoms.  It 
calls  me  into  the  open  air,  and  so  I  conclude  Avith 
a  hearty  greeting. 

Helmuth. 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  S;^ 

[N'aples,  May  2nd,  1876. 
Deak  Guste, 

I  will  try  if  I  can  write  a  few  lines  to  you 
with  one  of  these  dreadful  steel-pens/  before  our 
departure,  fixed  for  to-morrow.  Henry  has  climbed 
up  to  the  convent  of  S.  Martino,  which  I  could 
not  undertake  to  do  on  account  of  my  asthma. 
My  greatest  pleasure  has  been  to  cross  the  bay  by 
steamer.  When  we  went  to  Capri  the  sea  Avas 
rather  rough,  and  some  ladies  made  their  sacri- 
fice to  Keptune  ;  and  under  the  steep  rocky  coast 
the  deep-blue  sea  threw  up  its  snow-white  surge. 
The  ship  anchored  and  a  number  of  little  boats 
rocked  about  us  to  take  us  to  the  blue  Grotto. 
This  seemed  impossible  to  me,  for  I  saw  distinctly 
the  big  waves  beating  against  the  upper  part  of 
the  entrance,  which  was  only  three  or  four  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea  in  calm  water.  How- 
ever, it  was  to  be  attempted.  We  lay  do^vn  flat 
at  the  bottom  of  the  nut-shell,  and  the  practised 
rowers  seized  the  moment  between  one  wave  and 
another.  "  Coraggio  per  voi,  Maccaroni  jDcr  noi !  " 
they  cried  out  and — clash  —  we  had  passed  the 
^  Moltke  always  used  quills. 
G    2 


$4  Selections  from  Letters 

opening  of  the  cavern,  but  not  without  my  hat 
being  turned  into  a  "  chapeau  claque.*' 

The  very  narrow  entrance  prevents  the  light 
entering  the  high  spacious  vault,  Avhich  is  about  a 
hundred  paces  deep  ;  this  rocky  cavern  is  lit  up 
by  the  reflection  of  the  sun-beams  from  the 
crystal  light  blue  sea,  and  the  effect  is  enchant- 
ing. But  the  idea  of  having  to  return  again,  pre- 
vented me  from  enjoying  the  sight  in  comfort. 
The  foaming  billows  dashed  in,  barring  the  way  ; 
sometimes  travellers  have  waited  here  two  days 
for  a  calm  sea.  But  by  the  dexterity  of  the  boat- 
men, in  waiting  for  the  right  moment,  we  soon 
found  ourselves  outside  again,  but  Avere  so  wet 
that  we  could  shake  the  water  from  our  clothes. 
Very  few  of  the  passengers  undertook  this  visit. 

It  is  very  trying  for  me,  after  going  do^vn  to 
the  beautiful  walk  near  Villa  Reale,  on  the  sea- 
shore, to  go  up  again  one  hundred  and  sixty  steps 
to  my  house.  But  the  wonderful  view  over 
the  shore  is  an  ample  reward  for  the  trouble. 
Each  'wdndow  has  a  marble  balcony.  On  our  left 
we  see  on  a  height,  the  sombre  castle  of  St.  Elmo, 
with  its  gloomy  walls  and  battlements,  just  oppo- 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  85 

site  us  vre  have  Vesuvius,  wliicli  towers  high  above 
the  many  flat  roofs  and  cupohis  of  the  city  ;  just 
now  only  a  white  cloud  of  smoke  is  to  be  seen, 
nothing  remarkable.  To  the  right  the  eye  sweeps 
over  the  bay  as  far  as  Castellamare  and  Sorrento, 
where,  in  spite  of  the  distance  of  three  German 
miles,  single  houses  can  be  distinguished  in  a 
clear  atmosphere.  Vesuvius  is  as  quiet  as  if  it  had 
never  devastated  whole  towns  and  districts ;  we, 
therefore,  did  not  favour  it  with  a  visit,  but  only 
looked  from  the  foot  at  the  black  ashy  cone. 
One  of  the  most  beautiful  things,  I  can  imagine, 
is  the  road  that  leads  from  Castellamare  along  high 
rocky  walls  to  the  charming  Sorrento.  Deep 
ravines  cut  perpendicularly  into  the  white  tuffa, 
and  are  crossed  by  viaducts ;  far  beneath  lies 
the  blue  sea  fringed  by  the  silvery  surf  which 
dashes  against  most  marvellous  blocks  of  rock. 
The  mountains,  almost  to  their  summits,  are 
covered  with  olive  trees;  convents,  and  country 
houses  ]oeep  out ;  while  the  houses  on  the  roadside 
are  hidden  by  orange  bushes,  which  just  now  are 
in  full  bloom,  but  still  bear  a  great  number  of 
their  golden  fruit.     Stepping  out  of  their  shade 


86  Selections  prom  Letters 

voii  siuUk'nly  find  ^'Oll^self  on   a  platform   of  one 

of  tlic  many  good  inns  ;  before  you  is  a  precipice  a 

liiiiidred  feet  straight  down  to  the  gHstening  sea, 

to  Avhich  underground  paths  lead  down. 

I  think  that  we  shall  stay  at  Lucerne  on  our 

way  home  and  take  a  few  days'  rest  there.     We 

should  be  glad  to  receive  news  from  you  there  ;  tell 

us  also  what  kind  of  Aveather  you  have,  and  about 

the  crops.     It  Avould  be  a  pity  to  miss  the  time  of 

blossom  at  Crcisau.     Friendly  greetings  also  for 

my  faithful  de  Claer. 

Your  brother, 

Helmuth. 


Dear  Guste 


Stettin,  Sept.  23rd,  1879. 


AVe  have  just  returned  from  the  great  re- 
view of  the  Second  Army-Corps.  Everything 
went  off  excellently.  The  weather  yesterday,  cold 
and  wet,  has  turned  into  most  beautiful  sunshine, 
no  dust  and  a  pleasant,  fresh  air.  I  was  in  trouble 
about  my  great  brown  horse,  which  was  so  badly 
trained,  that  I  could  not  use  him  in  such  a 
crowd.  I  therefore  borrowed  Henry's  chestnut, 
which  performed  his  part  excellently.     The  thing 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  87 

is,  amidst  the  noise  of  drums  and  bands  and  the 
waving  of  flags,  to  ride  past  His  Majesty  at  a  slow 
pace,  then  immediately  to  ride  at  full  gallop  to  his 
side,  which  is  not  so  easy  as  it  looks,  if  the  horse 
has    not  been   trained  for  it.^      The    bearing    of 
the    troops    was     excellent ;    the    Emperor    was 
much    23leased.      As    at  Königsberg    and    Dant- 
zic  we  have  good  quarters  here,  beautiful   large 
rooms  in  an  old  patrician  house  on  the  Rossmarkt^ 
excellent  beds,  with  more  to  eat  and  drink  than  is 
good  for  us.     The  daily  dinner  with  the  King  is 
every  time  a  trial  of  self-denial  for  me  ;  one  dinner 
now  and  then  I  might  be  able  to  digest,  but  when  it 
comes  to  twenty-one,  one  after  another,  I  have  to 
be  very  careful,  esjDccially  with  the  many  different 
kinds  of  wine.     The   festivities  which    follow  one 
after  another  are  much  more  exhausting  than  the 
manoeuvres.      On    Sunday  a  man-of-war  will  be 
launched,   and  then  there   Avill  be  a  gala-dinner. 
With  much  love, 

Your  brother, 

Helmute. 

^  Moltke  had  to  parade  liis  regiment,  the  Colberg  Grenadiers, 
before  His  Majesty. 


SS  Selections  from  Letters 

Schlettstadt,  Oct.  3rd,  1879. 

Dear  Guste, 

I  received  tlie  last  news  from  you  at  Stettin. 
Since  then  the  manoeuvres  at  Strassburg  and  the 
Emperor's  journey  have  come  to  an  end.  At  first  I 
^Yas  vQvv  doubtful  if  I  could  2:0  throuoh  with  every- 
thing.  But,  God  be  thanked,  all  went  well,  though 
only  with  the  utmost  exertion,  and  I  hope  it  Avill 
have  been  for  the  last  time.  Now  I  can  spare  my- 
self a  little  more,  but  I  wish  and  long  to  pass  the 
short  time  that  is  left  to  me  in  quiet,  and  to  be 
allowed  to  retire  into  modest  solitude.  The  future, 
and  not,  perhaps,  a  very  distant  one,  may  bring 
circumstances  with  which  I  feel  no  longer  able  to 
grapple. 

I  think  Henry  will  have  told  you  of  our  excur- 
sions to  the  Yosges  Mountains.  AVe  liad  a  cloudy 
day,  but  it  cleared  up  toAvards  evening,  and  we 
could  see  from  the  highest  Avooded  point  the 
valleys  with  their  villages  and  many  old  castles  on 
the  mountain  tops.  The  high-roads  are  so  skil- 
fully constructed  witli  many  windings  along  the 
mountain  slo]Des,  that  one  can  drive  down  at  a 
sharp  trot  without   using  the   drag.     If  the  sun 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  89 

would  only  shine  we  should  make  some  more  ex- 
cursions of  the  kind  which  can  l^e  combined  with 
our  duties.     Best  love. 

Your  brother, 

Helmuth. 


Gastein,  August  15th,  1880. 

Dear  G-uste, 

The  sad  news  in  the  papers  of  floods  and 
destructions  may  have  made  you  anxious  about 
us.  We  arrived  here  at  noon,  though  not  without 
some  trouble,  yet  well  and  sound.  It  is  a  good 
thing  that  we  did  not  go  to  the  Tatra  mountains, 
for  just  in  that  direction  the  destruction  has  been 
greatest. 

The  first  day  of  our  journey  passed  without 
much  disturbance.  As  Hotel  Wunsch  had  been 
specially  recommended  to  us,  we  stayed  there,  and 
it  was  a  strange  coincidence  that  not  only  did  I 
occupy  the  same  hotel,  but  also  the  same  room 
where  I  had  been  ill  with  fever  for  six  Aveeks  forty 
years  ago,  on  my  return  from  Turkey.  The  follow- 
ing day  we  spent  in  going  about  Vienna,  and  we  got 


90  Selections  from  Letters 

through  a  great  deal.  On  Thursday  ^vc  dro\T,  in 
torrents  of  rain,  tln-ough  a  delightful  coinitry  to 
the  beautiful  Lake  Traun.  Hoping  to  he  able  to 
cross  this  charming  lake  on  the  following  day,  we 
passed  the  night  at  Gmundcn,  in  the  excellent  new 
Hotel  Austria,  but  the  next  morning  it  was  still 
raining  and  the  Traunstein  was  wrapt  in  clouds. 
However,  in  spite  ofthat,  the  passage  was  beautiful. 
But  when  we  had  landed  at  Ebensee,  we  were 
received  with  the  disagreeable  news  that  the  Traun 
had  interrupted  all  further  communication  ;  that 
the  railway  was  destroyed,  and  the  high-roads 
flooded  several  feet  deep.  But  we  succeeded  in 
obtainino;  a  carriage  for  a  o-ood  deal  of  monev, 
and  dro\'e  to  our  destination.  The  Mayor  of  the 
place  took  a  seat  on  the  box  and — God  knows 
what  made  him  do  so — Avaded  in  the  worst  places 
before  us  up  to  his  Avaist.  A  poor  lad  was  taken 
with  us,  who  had  to  walk,  where  the  road  seemed 
dangerous,  before  the  horses.  So  we  arrived  at. 
Ischl,  but  no  train  could  leave  there,  and  we  stayed 
the  night.  The  whole  platform  was  under  water, 
and  the  stream  presented  an  interesting  sight. 
Debris   of  bridges   swam   past   with   tremendous 


To  His  Sister  Auguste.  91 

rapidity.  In  the  evening  there  was  a  concert  in 
the  casino,  where  we  heard  the  comforting  news 
that  an  express  would  try  to  leave  on  the  following 
"Wednesday.  Fortunately  it  was  true.  Next 
morning  we  were  very  glad  to  see  the  sun  again  ; 
we  took  a  lovely  walk,  and  left  at  noon.  The 
saloon  carriage  which  we  occupied  was  open  and 
the  last  one  on  the  train,  so  that  we  could  look 
over  the  whole  country.  It  was  the  most 
beautiful  journey  that  one  can  imagine ;  passing 
by  the  Halstiitter  lake,  then  ascending  between 
lofty  mountains  by  the  foaming  Traun,  after 
that,  rapidly  descending  into  the  valley  of  the 
Enns.  Again  floods  and  rain  ;  and  then  a  descent 
of  more  than  a  thousand  feet  into  the  valley  of  the 
Salzach.  Night  quarters  at  Lend,  which  were  as 
bad  as  they  were  dear.  This  morning  we  passed 
the  Klamm  on  foot,  and  then  waited  for  the  cUil- 
gence,  which  brought  us  here  safe  and  sound  at 
half-past  one  o'clock.  For  old  acquaintance's  sake 
I  took  a  little  room  at  Hotel  Straubinger.  The 
day  after  to-morrow  I  go  into  good  apartments  on 
the  ground  floor.  We  have  already  looked  about 
a  good  deal,  taken  ten,  and  played  at  patience  to 


92  Selections  from  Letters,  Etc. 

see  if  the  "weather  was  going  to  turn  fine  ;  they  all 
came  right ;  ne\'ertheless  it  is  raining  still. 
With  best  love  to  all,  your  brother, 

Helmuth. 


Creisau,  July  30th,  1881. 
Dear  Guste, 

I  did  not  find  any  letter  from  you  awaiting 
me  yesterday  on  my  return  home.  However,  I 
hope  that  you  are  getting  on  well  at  Heligoland. 
The  Tatra  mountains  are  very  interesting,  but 
there  is  no  comfort,  either  in  food  or  lodging. 
We  had  to  be  content  with  one  little  room,  and  we 
were  fortunate  to  get  even  that.  Young  Prince 
Leoj)old,  who  arrived  with  Colonel  Geissler  and 
his  physician,  was  also  quartered  in  a  gaiTet.  Of 
course,  I  did  not  climb  the  high  mountains,  but 
was  content  with  some  excursions  in  the  valleys. 
The  journey  by  train  through  a  beautiful  country 
was  lovely.     Here  everything  is  in  good  order. 

Helmuth. 


MAGDALENE    VON    MOLTKE,    WIFE    OF    PROVOST    BRÖKFR 

SELECTIONS  EROM  LETTERS  TO  HIS 
SISTER  MAGDALENE. 

Magdalene  von  Moltke,  by  her  family  always  called  Leno, 
the  sixth  child  and  the  eldest  daughter  of  her  parents,  was 
born  on  September  29th,  1807,  at  Augustenhof  in  Holstein. 
She  lived  devoted  to  her  beloved  mother  until  the  death  of  the 
latter.  When  her  mother's  household  was  thus  broken  up, 
she  went  to  live  Avith  her  father,  then  Governor  at  Kiel,  and 
remained  his  faithful  companion  till,  in  1838,  she  was  married 
to  a  clergyman,  Mr.  Broker,  the  principal  preacher  at  the 
Klosterkirche  at  Uetersen.  This  happy  marriage  was  ended  on 
June  12th,  1890,  by  the  death  of  her  husband.  Lene's 
acquaintances  were  not  many,  but  those  who  knew  her,  loved 


94  Selections  from  Letters 

and  esteemed  her  on  account  of  her  mental  gifts,  her  bright- 
ness, her  self-denial,  noble  truthfulness,  and  deep  Christian 
humility.  Her  brother  Helmuth  was  her  pride  ;  she,  however, 
never  boasted  of  him.  His  indefatigable  love  and  care  made 
her  life  and  those  of  her  family  happy  even  after  his  death. 
Frau  Broker  died  on  January  3rd,  1892. 

Berlin,  December  9tli,  1866. 
Dear  Broker, 

.  .  .  You  are  right  in  saying  that  God's 
grace  has  been  visibly  with  us  during  the  great 
decisive  events  of  last  year.  More  than  ever  I  have 
learned  to  understand  how  God  "  is  strong  in  the 
weak."  May  the  many  things  which  still  remain 
to  be  done,  succeed  under  His  gracious  guidance. 

My  wife  sends  her  very  best  love  to  you  and 
her  Aunt  Lene.  I  hope  we  shall  soon  come  to 
Holstein  again,  and  then  it  will  be  to  the  annexed 
country.  Till  then  we  wish  to  be  kindly  remem- 
bered.    Most  affectionately  yours, 

Helmuth  v.  Moltke. 


Wildbad,  October,  12th,  1868. 
Dear  Lene, 

...  I  hope  that  the  treatment  here  which 
wiU  come  to  an  end  in  a  few  davs,  will  stren2:then 


To  His  Sister  Magdalene.  95 

me  for  all  that  next  spring  may  bring.  Our  old 
King  may  have  a  hard  trial  before  him  ;  however, 
it  is  to  be  hoped  that  sound  common  sense  will 
conquer  the  pride  of  our  neighbours. 

AVe  must  leave  it  to  God  Almighty. 

I  am  very  glad  that  the  King  has  been  so  much 
liked  in  the  Duchies.  The  secret  of  his  pleasant- 
ness is  his  honest,  open  character.  .  .  .  My  visit 
here  is  very  late  this  year.  .  .  .  The  country  is 
very  pretty,  but,  like  the  whole  of  the  Black 
Forest,  there  is  too  much  sameness.  Beautiful 
green  valleys  watered  by  the  rushing  Enz,  closed 
in  by  mountains  which  are  covered  with  forests  of 
high,  thick  dark  firs.  The  baths  are  delicious. 
Numerous  warm  springs  bubble  out  from  the 
floor  of  the  basin  at  a  temperature  of  twenty-seven 
degrees  R.  The  cooking  here  is  excellent ;  one 
could  not  dine  better  in  l^iris  ;  trout  from  the 
stream,  turbotsl  from  Marseilles,  artichokes  from 
Algiers.  Railway  communication  makes  every- 
thing easy. 

We  mean  to  leave  to-morrow,  first  for  the 
Palatinate.  .  .  . 

Marie  joins  me  in  best  love  to  you. 

Helmute. 


96  Selections  from  Letters 

Berlin,  December  18th,  1875. 

Dear  Lexk, 

.  .  .  May  your  licaltli  improve  again,  and 
may  you  have  a  liappy  old  ago  free  from  care. 
AVlicn  one  reaches  an  age  such  as  we,  who  are  left, 
have  attained,  one  can  bear  many  little  physical 
sufferings  patiently,  if  God  only  gives  us  peace 
in  ourselves. 

All  of  us  wish  you  and  Broker  and  all  your 
family  a  happy  Christmas.  After  to-morrow  the 
days  will  begin  to  lengthen  again,  and  God  will 
give  us  a  new  spring  which  I  look  upon  every 
time  as  a  special  blessing.  I  hope  we  may  see  you 
next  year  at  Creisau,  where  I  enjoy  life  more  than 
anywhere  else.  Though  forming  is  not  very  profit- 
able, I  rejoice  in  the  growth  of  the  trees  that  I 
have  planted,  and  under  the  shade  of  Avhicli  the 
young  generation  will  think  of  me  when  I  have 
found  a  home  of  peace  in  the  chapel  there,  which 
time  cannot  be  very  far  off. 

With  heartiest  love,  your  brother, 

Helmutü. 


To  His  Sister  Magdalene.  97 

Berlin,  September  ISth,  1876. 
Dear  Lene, 

Uncle  Ludwig  and  the  four  giants  ^  will  go 
on  the  2nd  of  next  month  to  Parchim  to  be  present 
at  the  unveiling  of  my  monument.  Ludwig  will 
have  to  give  an  address,  and  the  four  giants,  I 
suppose,  will  be  posted  at  the  four  corners  of  the 
pedestal.  I  shall,  on  the  same  day,  be  at  Strassburg 
at  the  unveiling  of  a  monument  in  memory  of  the 
fallen  warriors,  at  which  the  Emperor  has  promised 
to  be  present.  After  that  I  hope  to  return  to 
Creisau  and  to  spend  the  month  of  October  there. 
God  bless  you.     Your  faithful  brother, 

Helmuth. 


Creisau,  June  30th,  1878. 

Dear  Lene, 

...  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  I  shall  have  to  leave 
the  country  in  August  or  September,  as  I  shall 
have  to  attend  the  Reichstag,  where  we  are  going 
to  attack  the  democrats. 

1  Thus  the  Field-Marshal  liked  to  call  the  sons  of  his  brother 
Adolf. 


98  Selections  from  Letters 

The  recovery  of  the  Emperor  is  steady,  but 
slow,  and  it  is  still  very  doubtful  if  he  will  be 
able  to  be  present  at  the  coming  manoeuvres  on  the 
Rhine.  It  is  not  a  little  thing  to  receive  thirty-one 
shots  at  the  age  of  eighty-one.  The  responsibili- 
ties of  a  ruler  already  weigh  upon  the  Crown 
Prince.  The  attempt  upon  the  Emperor  and  the 
loss  of  the  Great  Elector  ^  were  two  serious  mis- 
fortunes !  .   .   . 

To-day  the  first  stubbles  !  the  rape-field  is  cut, 
and  now  the  corn-harvest  will  begin.  It  pro- 
mises to  be  very  good,  but  even  the  best  yields 
but  a  poor  return.  However,  the  estate  improves 
every  year.  I  intend  to  build  some  new  work- 
men's houses  this  year. 

You  would  be  delighted  to  see  the  infants' 
school ;  the  day-school  too  is  prospering.  Eighty- 
five  little  capitalists  have  savings-bank  books,  and 
everyone  has  some  marks  in  the  Provincial  Savings 
Bank.  It  is  so  important  to  learn  to  save  at  an 
early  age,  as  we  know  from  our  own  experience. 
Our  new  generation  has  begun    life    with  help, 

'  A  man-of-war. 


To  His  Sister  Magdalene.  99 

which  none  of  us  Sisters  and  Brothers  have  ever 
known. 

And  now  farewell,  dear  Lene.     Your 

Helmuth. 

Berlin,  December  24th,  1878. 
Dear  Lene, 

May  you   spend  this  Christmas  in  health 

and  contentment.     For  me  these  are  days  of  sad 

remembrance.     Just  ten  years  ago  Marie  fell  ill, 

and  was  taken  away  in  the  prime  of  life.     It  is 

wonderful  with  what  love  she  is  remembered  by 

comparative  strangers,   such  as  small  artisans  or 

merchants  ;  her   simple,  genial  manner   is   never 

forgotten.     Only  quite  lately  somebody  spoke  to 

me  about  her  asking  me  for  her  photograph.     And 

you  too  were  so  fond  of  her. 

I  am  well ;  I  have  much  to  do,  and  that  helps 
one  to  forget  many  a  sorrow,  and  no  one  is  without 
one. 

You  will  have  seen  enough  in  the  papers  about 
the  safe  return  of  our  Emperor,  and  the  grand 
festivities  on  his  arrival.     Your  brother, 

Helmuth. 
H  2 


lOO  Selections  from  Letters 

Schlettstadt,  October  3rd,  1879. 

Dear  Lene, 

I  have  just  received  your  letter,  and  am 
glad  that  at  your  age  you  are  so  well  and  strong. 
Many  happy  returns  of  the  day  ;  may  you  always 
spend  it  surrounded  by  children  and  grand- 
children. 

As  Schlettstadt  may  not  find  a  place  in  your 
geography,  I  wiU  teU  you  that  I  am  south  of 
Strassburg  in  Alsace,  where  I  have  been  travelling 
with  thirty  officers  and  fifty  horses,  since  the 
Imperial  visit  to  this  part  of  the  Empire.  The 
country  between  the  Rhine  and  the  Vosges  is 
very  fine,  beautiful  forest-land  between  lovely 
emerald  meadows,  and  mountains  crowned  with 
ruins  of  old  castles.  The  towns,  and  even  the 
villages,  are  surrounded  by  walls  and  provided 
with  splendid  churches.  Strangely  enough,  as 
long  as  the  Emperor  travelled  here  the  weather 
was  uninterruptedly  fine,  and  the  very  day  his 
journey  ended,  it  began  to  rain,  and  has  since 
rained  every  day. 

My  journey  may  last  ten  or  fourteen  days 
longer ;  undoubtedly  it  will  be  the  last  of  the  kind. 


To  His  Sister  Magdalene.  ioi 

I  am  now  almost  eighty  years  old,  and  I  am  no 
longer  strong  enough  for  such  work.  It  is  astonish- 
ing how  the  Emperor  can  still  do  what  he  does. 

Henry  accompanies  me  on  my  journey,  keeps 
my  accounts  and  also  me  in  order.  Your 
brother, 

Helmuth. 

Berlin,  March  18th,  1881. 
Deak  Lene, 

What  do  you  think  of  the  dreadful  attempt 
on  the  Czar  of  Russia,  who  has  been  the  greatest 
benefactor  to  his  country  !  It  is  to  be  hoped  that 
his  successor  may  take  stricter  measures  against 
this  vile  band  of  Nihilists,  and  not  hush  up  and 
pardon  every  crime  as  his  unfortunate  father  has 
done.  But  he  has  a  heavy  task  to  take  up.  The 
people  demand  free  institutions  and  representation 
for  which  they  are  not  ready  ;  even  their  deputies 
can  neither  read  nor  write.  Our  Emperor  is 
deeply  shaken  and  affected  by  the  loss  of  his  nephew, 
who  was  attached  to  him  with  affectionate  love 
and  veneration.     With  best  love,  your  brother, 

Helmuth. 


I02  Selections  from  Letters 

Berlin,  March  30th,  1883. 
Deak  Lene, 

Ernestine  has  informed  you  of  the  sad  news 
of  the  passing  away  of  our  dear  Sister  Guste. 
This  evening  a  service  Avill  be  hekl  over  her 
remains  at  Potsdam,  and  to-morrow  night  the 
coffin  will  be  taken  to  Creisau,  where  it  will  be 
deposited  in  the  little  chapel.  There  "svill  then  be 
left  room  enough  for  myself  between  both  of 
them.  She  was  seventy-four,  and  only  had  to 
struggle  with  death  during  a  few  hours'  illness  ; 
that  is  a  great  grace  of  God.  .  .  . 

Most  heartily, 
Helmuth. 

Creisau,  September  8th,  1886. 
Dear  Lene, 

I  have  passed  a  beautiful  time  here,  the 
whole  of  the  summer  ;  it  only  passes  too  quickly. 
....  Wilhelm's  Helmuth  is  a  fine  boy,  plain, 
with  long  ears  like  mine,  but  sturdy  and  strong 
and  not  easily  kept  in  order  by  anybody  but  his 
father.  The  other  day  he  did  not  come  in  time 
for  dinner   in  spite   of  the   bell,  and  only  after 


To  His  Sister  Magdalene.  103 

searching  for  a  long  time  was  he  found  near  the 
mill-pond,  where  he  was  catching  fish  with  his 
Sunday  hat.  The  second,  Joachim  Peter,  is  a 
picture  of  a  boy. 

Helmuth's  eldest  boy,  Willy,  is  still  a  delicate 
child,  but  lively  and  clever.  When  the  Peile  had 
flooded  the  fields,  he  asked  where  all  the  water 
was  running  to,  and  when  he  was  told  that  it 
went  into  the  sea,  he  said  :  "  But,  papa,  does  the 
water  know  where  the  sea  is  ?  "  With  best  love. 
Your  brother, 

Helmuth. 

Berlin,  December  19th,  1887. 
Dear  Lene, 

The  comfortable-looking  Frau  Pröbstin,  in 
the  excellent  photograph,  cannot  be  in  bad  health. 
The  picture  gives  me  much  pleasure  ;  I  see  a  very 
striking  likeness  to  our  poor  Father,  just  as  I  did 
in  our  brother  Fritz,  when  he  was  old.  You  will 
find  one  of  the  two  enclosed  portraits,  in  a  more 
meagre  condition. 

I  wish  you  a  joyful  Christmas  with  all  my  heart. 

Helmuth. 


I04  Selections  from  Letters 

Berlin,  March  2nd,  1888. 

Dear  Lene, 

The  newspapers  say  all  that  I  could  tell 
you,  about  the  sad  time  that  we  have  lived  through 
here  in  Berlin. 

The  death  of  the  Emperor  AVilliam  has  called 
forth  the  deepest  sympathy  of  the  whole  world. 
It  lay  in  the  natural  course  of  things,  that  the 
aged  Monarch  must  be  called  away  some  day. 
He  fell  asleep  without  any  struggle.  His  face  had 
a  mild,  peaceable  expression. 

But  truly  tragical  is  the  fate  of  his  successor, 
who  stands  with  one  foot  on  the  throne,  the  other 
in  the  grave.  He  bears  his  sufferings  with  a 
wonderful  manliness  ;  how  long  or  how  short  this 
trial  will  be,  God  alone  knows.  In  outward 
appearance  he  is  still  the  same  splendid,  strong 
man. 

The  good  old  Empress  Augusta  keeps  up  well 
by  her  strength  of  will,  in  spite  of  feebleness  and 
deep  grief. 

To-day  we  have  mourning  services  in  all  our 
churches,  instead  of  the  birthday  festivities,  to 
which   we    had  been     accustomed   for    so   many 


To   His  Sister  Magdalene.  105 

years.  And  everything  is  enveloped  in  a  deep 
snow.     The  trees  bend  their  branches  under  the 

weight  of  it,  but  the  streets  are  beginning  to  thaw 
and  are  in  a  dreadful  state  in  spite  of  the  hun- 
dreds of  snow-carts.  .  .   . 

With  hearty  greeting.     Your  brother, 

Helmuth. 


Creisau,  September  3rd,  1889. 

Dear  Lene, 

I  suppose  both  of  us  are  thinking  with 
silent,  but  affectionate  sympathy  of  our  poor 
brother  Ludwig.  All  I  have  heard  of  his  last 
days  seems  comforting.  He  has  passed  away  peace- 
fully amid  friendly  surroundings. 

Rosy  will  feel  her  father's  loss  most  deeply  ;  she 
has  nursed  him  to  the  end,  with  most  self-sacrific- 
ing love.  She  has  promised  to  come  to  see  us  at 
Creisau,  as  soon  as  the  most  urgent  arrangements 
have  been  made.  Later  on  she  will  remain  at 
Ratzeburg  in  the  old  home  ;  Gustchen  will  also 
very  likely  keep  her  present  position  with 
Princess  Albrecht. 


io6  Selections  from  Letters 

I  have  just  bought  a  second  estate,  Werners- 
dorf, near  the  Zobten,  and  have  let  it  to  Ludwig 
Moltke.  I  think  this  is  the  best  way  of  providing 
for  my  heirs ;  for  the  conversion  of  shares, 
which  may  be  expected  in  a  short  time,  threatens 
all  capitalists  with  a  loss  of  a  tenth  or  a  fifth  of 
their  interest.  Land  brings  little,  but  it  can 
neither  be  converted,  taken  away,  nor  stolen. 
Please  give  my  best  love  to  Broker.  Your 
brother, 

Helmuth. 


Berlin,  May  1st,  1890. 

Dear  Lene, 

The  grace  of  God  has  allowed  us  to  live 
through  another  Spring,  a  beautiful  gift  for  which 
Ave  owe  special  thanks.  At  present  there  are  only 
the  gooseberry  bushes  and  other  little  shrubs 
whose  little  green  leaves  open  to  the  light,  but 
every  day  adds  something  new  and  beautiful,  and 
soon  the  old  lime-trees  in  youi'  garden  will  unfold 
their  splendour. 

I  should  much  like  to  go  to  the  country  now 


To  His  Sister  Magdalene.  107 

when  reviving  nature  is  so  beautiful,  but  the 
Reichstag  will  meet  soon,  and  in  the  present  un- 
pleasant state  of  things,  the  presence  of  every 
conservative  element  is  much  to  be  desired. 
Therefore  I  must  stay  here. 
Much  love,  from  your  brother, 

Helmute. 


FRIEDEICH    JOACHIM    VON    MOLTKE. 


SELECTIONS  FROM  LETTERS  TO  HIS 
BROTHER    FRITZ. 


Friedrich  Joachim  von  Moltke,  the  Field-Marshal's  second 
brother,  was  born  on  the  22nd  of  May,  1799,  on  the  estate  of 
Horst  near  Ratzeburg.  He  received  his  early  education  with 
his  elder  brother  "Wilhelm,  and  his  younger  brother  Helmuth, 
in  the  house  of  Pastor  Knickebein  at  Hohenfclde  in  Holstein. 
From  1811  to  1817  he  and  his  brother  Helmuth  were  at  the 
College  for  Military  Cadets,  at  Copenhagen  ;  which  he  left  at 
the  age  of  eighteen,  after  having  successfully  passed  the  last 
examination.  Twenty  years  later,  when  a  captain,  he  left  the 
Army  to  join  the  Postal  Service  in  Denmark.  Aiter  losing  his 
wife,  Elisabeth  Boelte,  who  had  been  his  faithful  companion  for 


Selections  from  Letters,  Etc.    109 

thirty  years,  he  retired  as  Postmaster  at  Flensburg  and  Danish 
Chamberlain.  With  his  widowed  sister,  Auguste  Burt,  he 
made  his  home  at  Lübeck  in  1867.  But  during  the  last  years 
of  his  life  he  was  again  brought  into  close  relationship  with  his 
brother  Helmuth.  Fritz  Moltke  was  a  thoroughly  earnest  charac- 
ter, possessed  of  great  self-denial,  strict  with  himself  and  ready 
to  devote  himself  to  others.  Throughout  his  life,  in  all  circura- 
stanceSj  he  gained  universal  esteem  by  his  great  industry,  his 
integrity,  his  sense  of  duty  and  his  prudence.  Brought  up 
with  his  brother  Helmuth  in  the  strict  school  of  the  College  of 
Cadets  at  Copenhagen,  he  had  followed  his  quiet  and  laborious 
path  in  the  Danish  service,  while  the  younger  brother,  led 
by  his  star  into  the  old  Fatherland,  had  found  in  Germany 
the  glory  which  will  always  be  associated  with  his  name.  Each 
of  the  brothers  honoured  the  opinions  of  the  other.  Their 
political  interests,  which  may  sometimes  have  dififered,  could 
never  alienate  them. 

Fritz,  therefore,  joyfully  sacrificed  himself,  and,  giving  up  his 
own  household,  joined  his  brother  in  Berlin,  when  the  latter 
was  left  alone  after  the  death  of  his  wife  in  1868.  Here  he 
became  the  Field-Marshal's  adviser  in  all  family  affairs. 
Together  they  collected  the  scattered  accounts  of  their  family, 
and  together  they  rejoiced  in  the  establishment  of  a  new 
family  seat.  The  Field-Marshal  always  treated  his  brother 
with  the  greatest  consideration,  and  showed  by  his  manner 
that  he  never  forgot  he  was  the  younger.  Politics  were  not 
discussed  between  them. 

"When  on  the  4th  of  A-Ugust,  1874,  a  quiet  death  put  an  end 
to  the  sufferings  which  Fritz  von  Moltke  had  borne  with  great 
resignation,  the  Field- Marshal,  deeply  moved,  buried  the 
remains  of  his  brother  in  the  beautifully  situated  cemetery  of 
Flensburg  by  the  side  of  his  deceased  wife. 


no  Selections  from  Letters 

Glion,  near  Montreux, 

November  3rd,  1866. 

Dear  Fritz, 

I  received  your  letter  dated  the  18th  of 
last  month  all  right,  and  ought  to  have  answered 
it  before  this,  but  you  know  that  one  has  never 
less  time  than  when  one  has  nothing  to  do  but  to 
enjoy  one's  self.  We  have  had  a  wonderful  autumn  ; 
for  thirty-seven  days  we  have  only  once  had  rain. 
This  enabled  me  to  take  sixteen  baths  during  the 
beginning  of  my  stay  at  Ragatz,  and  I  have  derived 
much  benefit  from  them. 

We  then  went  by  Zurich  and  Fribourg  (crossing 
the  marvellous  suspension  bridge,  three  hundred 
feet  above  a  wide  valley)  to  the  Lake  of  Geneva. 
The  country  is  lovely,  descending  by  train  about 
two  thousand  feet,  through  woods  and  vineyards. 
After  spending  a  few  days  at  Ouchy,  near  Lausanne, 
we  came  here  to  Glion  about  a  fortnight  ago.  We 
are  staying  at  a  "  pension  "  which  bears  the  name 
of  "  the  WaadtUindische  Rigi "  rightly.  It  is  1600 
feet  above  the  lake,  which  is  itself  1200  feet  above 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  hi 

the  level  of  the  sea.  The  view,  to  the  Savoy 
mountams,  over  the  blue  waters  of  the  lake,  and 
the  continuous  row  of  villages  and  country  houses 
on  its  shores,  is  most  enchanting.  The  air  is  so 
reviving  that  we  daily  ascend  heights  which 
reach  up  to  the  snow-line,  and  every  time  we  are 
surprised  by  new  views.  Yesterday  we  walked  in 
brightest  sunshine  above  the  clouds.  Beneath  us 
seemed  to  lie  a  white  snow-field,  from  which  only 
the  rugged  Juras  and  the  snow-capped  summits  of 
the  High  Alps  appeared. 

I  think  you  have  done  rightly  in  giving  up  your 
troublesome  post.  I  am  glad  that  you  are  leaving 
Flensburg  where  you  would  miss  your  usual  occu- 
pation. I,  too,  like  Lübeck  very  much,  and  I 
hope  we  shall  come  to  see  you  there  next  year. 
How  much  I  should  like  to  retire  before  then,  but 
it  is  uncertain  whether  circumstances  will  allow 
me  to  send  in  my  resignation.  Then  we  could 
spend  next  autumn  together  at  Glion.  Adieu, 
dear  Fritz.     With  best  love  to  Guste. 

Your 

Helmuth. 


1 1 2  Selections  from  Letters 

Freiburg  in  Silesia. 

July  24th,  1867. 

Dear  Fritz, 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  20th  of 
this  month,  also  one  from  Guste,  dated  19  th  inst. 

I  have  seen  some  beautiful  estates  here,  but  the 
prices  are  exorbitant.  The  land  here  is  sold  at  a 
hundred  thalers  the  half  ton,^  and  up  to  two  hun- 
dred in  small  portions  ;  as  the  soil  is  very  fertile 
and  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  rent  is  very 
high.  I  have  not  come  to  a  conclusion  as  yet. 
Baron  Richthofen  will  come  to-morrow,  he  is  my 
adviser,  as  I  can  judge  of  nothing  but  the  situation 
and  the  house.  But  I  have  learnt  this  much,  that 
two  hundred  thousand  thalers  (£30,000)  will  not 
do  much  where  land  is  concerned. 

I  am  surprised  to  hear  from  Guste  that  Marie's 
liver  is  out  of  order.  I  have  never  known  her  to 
be  anything  but  strong  and  contented.  It  is, 
however,  possible  that  she  has  inherited  an  inclina- 
tion in  that  direction  from  her  father,  who  suffered 
from  his  liver.  I  shall  speak  to  the  doctor  as  soon 
as  I  come  back,  and  I  am  quite  ready  to  go  with 
'  Local  measurement. 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  113 

her  to  Karlsbad,  but  I  am  afraid  she  will  laugh  at 
me  when  I  propose  it. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  that  you  like  Lübeck ;  I,  too, 
am  very  fond  of  the  old  town  with  its  spires  and 
old  lime-tree  avenues.  Have  you  happened  to 
make  the  acquaintance  of  Senator  Dr.  Curtius  ? 
He  is  very  devoted  to  me.  We  have  had  a 
beautiful  ride  through  the  lovely  mountains. 
People  are  indescribably  grateful  here  for  the 
]Drotection  which  they  received  last  year.  All  the 
towns  have  hoisted  flags ;  Mayors  and  Councils 
came  to  meet  us  at  the  gates  ;  a  fat  alderman  had 
his  horses  put  in  and  came  for  miles  to  kiss  my 
hand  ;  the  toll-gatherer  on  the  high-road  sent  his 
little  girl  with  a  simple  little  nosegay,  etc.  On  the 
1st  of  August  we  shall  be  back  in  Berlin. 

I  have  a  letter  from  Mary  from  Segeberg.  She, 
too,  was  much  pleased  with  Lübeck.  Now  fare- 
well, this  must  be  enough  for  to-day,  dear  Fritz. 
Best  love  to  Guste.     Your  brother, 

Helmute. 


114  Selections  from  Letters 

Creisau,  near  Schweidnitz, 
Autumn,  1867. 

Dear  Fritz, 

I  was  very  sorry  not  to  be  able  to  come  to 
Lübeck  on  the  3rd  of  this  month,  as  I  had  mtended, 
but  just  at  that  time  I  had  to  make  large  pay- 
ments for  the  purchase  of  my  estate.  Government 
stamps  and  legal  expenses  ;  then  we  came  here  on 
the  10th  inst.  to  make  the  necessary  aiTangements 
in  the  new  house,  and  to  become  generally  ac- 
quainted with  our  new  surroundings  ;  and  all  this 
prevented  me  from  writing.  In  the  country  there 
are  such  a  number  of  things  to  be  done,  the  day  is 
over  in  no  time,  and  tired  out  we  retire  gladly  to 
bed  in  the  evening. 

Up  to  the  present  I  have  only  experienced  the 
expense  which  the  possession  of  an  estate  incurs, 
and  I  shall  have  to  get  accustomed  to  it.  Seven 
hundred  thalers  (105Z.)  for  artificial  manure,  six 
hundred  thalers  (90Z.)  for  new  seed,  the  paj  of  the 
work-people,  repairs,  &c. ;  in  a  few  days  we  shall 
have  the  threshing-machine  here,  which  costs 
twenty-five  thalers  (3Z.  los.)  per  day,  but  it 
threshes  three  hundred  bushels  of  wheat  per  day, 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  115 

and  enables  us  to  put  the  straw  into  stacks  in  the 
fields.  The  harvest  is  so  abundant  this  year  that 
the  barns,  which  are  very  extensive,  cannot  hold 
it  all. 

Everybody  congratulates  me  on  my  pui'chase  at 
the  cost  of  about  three  hundred  thalers  (45/.)  per 
ton  of  land.  The  soil  is  most  fertile,  of  gi^eat 
depth,  and  pays  the  best  in  the  country,  but  was 
formerly  very  much  neglected,  and  is  not  yet  in  the 
best  condition ;  it  therefore  needs,  for  the  present, 
the  artificial  help  of  chemical  manure  (superphos- 
phate). The  situation  between  the  Zobten  on 
the  north,  and  the  "  liohe  Eule  "  on  the  south  side 
is  charming.  I  have  taken  my  carriage  and  a 
riding-horse  with  me,  and  it  is  delightful  to  drive 
out  after  the  heat  of  the  day  is  over.  The  whole 
country  is  like  a  garden,  and  wherever  one  drives 
it  is  beautiful.  There  are  very  good  roads,  and  the 
hilly  ground  affords  endless  change  of  scenery  and 
many  views.  We  have  very  pleasant  neighbours  who 
have  received  us  Avith  the  greatest  kindness.  The 
day  before  yesterday  I  took  my  seat,  for  the  first 
time,  in  the  assembly  of  the  Kreistag.  We  should 
so  much  like  to  have  you  and  Guste  here,  and  we 

I  2 


ii6  Selections  from  Letters 

invite  you  most  heartily  and  pressingiy.  AVe  are 
putting  off  the  longer  excursions  into  the  mountains 
till  you  come.  You  would  be  a  great  help  to  me, 
for  I  have  all  kinds  of  plans  :  an  alteration  of 
the  Schloss,  a  bridge  over  the  Peile,  the  laying-out 
of  a  park  by  making  paths  through  fields  and 
"wood,  the  planting  of  trees,  etc.,  etc.  I  have  sent 
for  a  little  surveying  apparatus,  and  mean  to  begin 
Avith  drawing  a  plan  of  the  land  which  I  intend  for 
the  park.  But  there  are  too  many  things  to  be 
done. 

Since  my  arrival  here  we  have  had  most  beautiful 
harvest  weather,  and  the  whole  day  long  heavy  corn 
waggons,  laden  with  wheat,  cross  the  yard  and  draw 
up  at  the  barns.  Everything  is  built  of  stone. 
The  vaulted  roof  of  the  sheep-shed  is  supported  by 
twenty  granite  columns.  But  the  "  Schloss  "  has 
a  shino:le  roof  and  must  have  one  of  slate,  which 
will  cost  two  thousand  thalers  (300L).  Last  night 
we  had  a  thunder-storm  and  the  first  rain,  which 
was  very  favourable  for  the  rape-seed.  I  do  not 
think  that  they  will  be  able  to  carry  anything  to- 
day ;  but  they  can  plough.  There  is  never  any 
want  of  work  here.     I  have  agreed  to   a  larirer 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  117 

allowance  of  meat  to  the  farm  labourers,  to  keep 
them  strong  and  make  them  willing.  They  are  a 
very  fine  race  of  people. 

I  think  country-life  here  will  interest  you  ;  and 
as  you  are  free  at  last  and  your  o^vn  master,  I  hope 
you  will  not  refuse  my  request  to  come.  We  send 
our  best  love.  Your  brother, 

Helmuth. 

Berlin,  Dec.  29th,  1867. 
Dear  Fritz, 

.  .  .  The  movement  towards  the  incorpora- 
tion of  Lauenburg  ought  to  come  from  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Duchy.  Our  Parliament  desires  annexa- 
tion, but  the  Government  can  take  no  steps  until 
the  Duchy  expresses  such  a  wish.  I  do  not  see 
how  Ludwig  under  these  circumstances  can  get  an 
appointment  in  Lauenburg.  This  difficulty  of 
finding  suitable  work  is  another  drawback  in 
small  states. 

The  King  has  given  me  his  large  photograph  for 
a  Christmas  present ;  I  think  you  have  seen  it  here 
at  Schniibely's. 

Farewell,  dear  Fritz.     Your  brother, 

Helmuth. 


ii8  Selections  from  Letters 

Berlin,  January  24tli,  18G8. 

Dear  Fritz, 

...  In  Prussia,  cluiing  these  troublous  times 
it  is  much  more  difficult  to  help  the  ruined  land- 
owners and  farmers  than  the  starving  work-people, 
■who  are  looked  after  extremely  well.  Collections 
are  being  made  at  home  and  abroad.  The  order  of 
the  Knights  of  St.  John  will  provide  considerable 
sums,  and  even  Marie  is  very  busy  with  a  bazaar 
to  be  held  in  the  castle.  But  the  work  provided  by 
the  State  is  of  far  greater  importance  ;  15  millions 
are  to  be  spent  in  the  construction  of  a  railway. 
Of  course,  this  cannot  change  the  dreadful  climate 
of  this  province,  which  has  such  a  rich  soil.  All 
field  labour  has  to  be  done  during  the  few  summer 
months,  even  building  is  stoj^ped  in  the  winter. 
AVhen  we  begin  the  ploughing  in  Silesia,  the  sow- 
ing has  to  be  finished  in  Prussia,  as  snow  and  frost 
are  beginning  then.  This  necessitates  a  compara- 
tively large  stock  of  utensils,  and  many  workmen 
and  horses,  who  all  have  to  be  kept  through  the 
long  winter. 

At   midsummer,    after    a   year's   ex^^erience,    I 
shall  be  able  to  form  some  idea  of  the  net  profit 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  119 

of  the  estate.  Of  course,  in  future,  we  could  not 
expect  the  same  high  price  for  the  corn.  Marie's 
kitchen  is  always  amply  provided  with  butter, 
hares,  geese,  and  jDork  from  Creisau.  Much  love 
from  both  of  us  to  Guste. 

Helmuth. 

Berlin,  January  27th,  1868. 
Dear  Fritz, 

I  am  learning  at  Creisau  what  a  small  income 
land  j^roduces  in  our  times,  even  under  the  most 
favourable  circumstances.  Though  the  ])Yice  at 
120  thalers  (18Z.)  the  acre  is  thought  very  reason- 
able by  all  competent  judges,  I  shall  be  quite  satis- 
fied if,  at  the  end  of  the  year,  my  cajoital  brings  in 
2  J  per  cent,  interest ;  but  I  hardly  expect  it  will. 
He  who  wants  a  higher  rate,  must  not  invest  his 
money  in  land.  But  in  spite  of  every  drawback, 
there  is  nothing  like  landed  proj)erty.  It  will 
always  be  the  safest  investment,  while  shares  are 
affected  by  the  fluctuations  of  politics  and  the  ex- 
change which,  of  course,  depend  finally  on  the 
value  of  land  and  the  security  it  gives.  The  great 
lando^vners  represent   the  highest  rank  in  every 


I20  Selections  from  Letters 

country.  Even  the  income  of  this  estate  will 
place  my  successor  in  a  good  position,  and  it 
"vvill  probably  be  increased  through  the  improve- 
ments we  hope  to  make,  and  when  the  debt  has 
been  paid  off. 

I  think  the  whole  income  of  Creisau  will  at  pre- 
sent have  to  be  spent  on  necessary  improvements, 
as  a  new  roof,  the  laying  out  of  the  park,  improve- 
ment of  the  fields,  etc. ;  of  course,  if  this  is  done, 
it  will  be  all  the  better  for  my  successor.  The  re- 
mainder of  my  income  will  be  sufiicient  for  myself 
and  the  support  of  relations,  but  I  shall  not  be  able 
to  increase  my  capital  much. 

Ludwig's  resignation  has  been  accepted.  He 
will  receive  a  pension,  the  title  of  "  Privy  Coun- 
cillor "  and,  I  think,  a  decoration  of  some  kind. 
Adolf  has  been  nominated  Landrath  in  the  district 
of  Pinneberg-Rantzau,  and  I  hope  that  after  the 
dissolution  of  the  Landtag,  which  will  take  place 
in  a  few  days,  the  position  and  salaries  of  the 
officials  in  Holstein  will  be  definitively  settled. 
With  much  love  to  Guste,  your  brother, 

Helmuth. 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  121 

Berlin,  Mai'cli  7tli,  1868. 
Dear  Fritz, 

I  am  quite  satisfied  with  Creisau.  I  knew 
beforehand  that  I  conkl  not  expect  high  interest, 
when  I  invested  my  capital  in  land  ;  it  would 
have  been  the  same  in  Holstein.  I  should  have 
liked  to  settle  there,  but  I  did  not  hear  of  any- 
thing suitable  at  the  time  that  I  wanted  to  buy. 
The  principal  thing  for  me  is  the  safety  of  the 
investment,  not  high  interest.  If  I  wished  to  in- 
crease it,  I  could  easily  do  so  by  realizing.  You 
see  a  danger  in  the  depreciation  of  land,  but  that 
only  affects  those  who  are  obliged  to  sell.  With 
entailed  property  this  does  not  come  into  con- 
sideration. If  stocks  and  land  become  depreciated 
it  does  not  alter  the  rate  of  interest  nor  the  income. 
Of  course,  it  is  an  advantage  for  the  buyer  under 
such  circumstances,  x'^.s  the  income  would  remain 
the  same,  his  capital  would  bring  double  the  in- 
terest. This  has  already  happened  with  Austrian, 
Russian  and  American  bonds  of  5  per  cent,  which 
can  be  bought  for  fifty,  which  means  investing 
one's  capital  at  10  per  cent.  If  I  could  have 
bought  Creisau  for  half  the  sum  I  paid,  the  income 


122  Selections  from  Letters 

of  the  estate  -vvould  have  been  the  same,  but  I 
should  ha\-e  received  double  the  interest.  But  the 
difference  is  this,  that  if  invested  in  shares,  the 
capital  itself  is  endangered ;  for  if  milliards  double 
or  treble,  the  necessary  consequence  "will  be  the 
bankruptcy  of  the  state,  which  has  occurred  several 
times  in  Austria,  and  will  occur  in  America. 
Landed  property  can  be  devastated  by  war  and 
misfortunes,  but  the  soil  cannot  be  carried  away, 
and  its  productiveness  remains  unchanged,  at 
least,  as  far  as  earthly  things  can  be  unchangeable. 
Though  the  Hamburg  merchants  know  quite  well 
the  value  of  stocks  and  shares,  yet  they  like  to 
invest  their  savings  in  property  in  Holstein,  which 
only  brings  in  two  per  cent. 

I  have  never  heard  a  word  of  ^ratitude  in 
Holstein  from  anybody  for  having  been  freed  from 
the  Danish  Government,  which  was  always  de- 
scril^ed  as  ignorant  and  tyrannical.  The  people 
in  Silesia  are  very  grateful  to  those  Avho  averted 
the  danger  which  threatened  them.  AYe  have 
had  quite  touching  proofs  of  it.  ]\Iy  name  is 
much  honoured  there,  and  that  too  is  of  value. 
The  railwav  does  awav  with  distance,  and  those 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  123 

who  wish  to  come  to  us  will  not  make  a  two  clays' 

journey  an  excuse. 

If  Adolf  should  retire,  it  would  be  a  good  thing 

to  bu}'  the  Dreskys'  pretty  house  on  the  hill  and 

to  keep  it  always  as  a  dower  house. 

■    Much  love  to  Guste.     Marie  joins  me  in  love  to 

yourself. 

Helmuth. 


Berlin,  May  Uth,  1868. 


Dear  Fritz 


I  have  duly  received  the  pedigree.  The 
accounts  which  I  had,  not  a  very  long  time  ago, 
from  relations  living  in  Wurtemberg,  agree  Avith 
it  perfectly.  It  would  be  very  interesting  to  know 
where  the  estates,  which  are  mentioned  in  different 
places,  [as  for  instance,  Westerbriigge,  which  re- 
mained in  the  fixmily  for  several  generations,  are 
situated.  It  is  remarkable  that  Stridfeld  (Meck- 
lembourg)  which  remained  in  the. l^ranch  of  Claus 
V.  Moltke  for  eleven  generations,  is,  in  the  four- 
teenth generation,  found  in  the  possession  of  the 
family  of  Otto  (Samow)  owned  by  Joachim  (the 
father  of  Count  Adam)  of  Walkendorf  and  Ehren- 


124  Selections  from  Letters 

Yvidi  of  Walkendorf,  Both  died  in  1730,  and  yet 
the  estate  remained  in  this  1j ranch,  though  there 
"were  male  heirs  of  the  former  living.  At  all 
events,  it  is  seldom  that  an  estate,  not  entailed, 
descends  from  1309  to  1781,  for  ahnest  five 
hundred  years,  and  through  fifteen  generations, 
in  the  same  family. 

As  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  see  from  the  names 
of  the  estates,  real  Danish  branches  have  only 
existed  since  1730.  The  sons  of  all  the  Moltkes 
that  were  known  in  Denmark  before  that  time, 
have  always  returned  to  the  jMecklenburg  soil. 

I  had  hoped  that  you  and  Guste  would  visit  us  at 
Creisau,  and  that  you  would  inspect  my  new  park. 
I  expect  to  be  there  at  the  end  of  June  or  in  July  ; 
but  it  will  not  be  safe  to  make  plans  for  the  next 
few  weeks.  La  France  s'ennuye  !  and  in  order  to 
amuse  her,  Europe  must  be  set  on  fire.  In  the 
nineteenth  century  a  Avar  so  frivolously  begun,  to 
so  little  purpose,  should  seem  impossible,  it  reminds 
one  of  Louis  XIV.  and  his  Louvois,  and  yet  we 
stand,  jDerhaps,  close  upon  it.  All  depends  upon 
the  decision  of  an  irresolute  man,  who  continually 
excites  the  national  passions  on  purpose  and  in 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  125 

such  a  way  that  the  country  cannot  tolerate  the 
budget  much  longer  ;  a  man  who  cannot  decrease 
the  Army  without  losing  the  good  opinion  of  the 
public,  especially  of  the  Army  itself,  and  who  will 
have  to  lead  this  Army  to  be  slaughtered,  in  order 
to  rid  himself  of  it.  The  situation  seems  to  me 
very  serious.     With  hearty  love,  your  brother, 

Helmute. 

Berlin,  December  6th,  1868. 
Dear  Fritz, 

I  am  glad  that  you  have  found  an  easy  way 
of  investing  your  money.  It  would  be  strange  if 
the  Exchano-e  of  a  commercial  town  like  Lübeck 
were  not  provided  Avith  Prussian  Government 
Consols.  Very  likely  they  are  numerous  there. 
You  must  not  be  astonished  if  the  four-and-a-half 
per  cent,  shares  go  down  to  three  and  a  half.  In 
Prussian  railway  shares  alone,  forty  millions 
have  been  thrown  away  in  the  money  market. 
But  much  cash  is  sent  to  Russia.  Russian  railway 
shares  nominally  bring  five  per  cent,  but  as  they 
do  not  sell  for  more  than  seventy-five,  they  really 
bring  seven  per  cent.     Though    these    lines    are 


126  Selections  from  Letters 

useful  for  military  purposes  and  administration  in 
general,  it  seems  doubtful  to  me  if  they  will  ever 
pay,  as  tliey  are  laid  doTvii  through  real  deserts. 
But  the  advantage  of  a  safe  income  for  a  time 
makes  people  overlook  the  danger,  which  they 
have  ah'eady  experienced  with  Spanish  and  Aus- 
trian shares.  However,  such  events  show  the 
value  of  greater  security,  and  the  Prussian  Govern- 
ment shares  will  probably  rise  in  a  very  short 
time. 

I  think  Lübeck  will  have  a  good]  ^layor  in 
Curtius ;  I  am  very  glad  that  he  has  received  this 
token  of  confidence  from  his  fellow-citizens. 

Since  I  have  seen  the  ghostly  form  of  the  cele- 
brated violinist  Ernst  at  Gastein,  I  am  convinced 
that  music  and  nothing  but  music,  and  especially 
violin  playing,  is  ruinous  to  the  nerves.  It  would 
probably  be  a  good  thing  for  Ludwig  and  his 
daughters  to  exchange  the  musical  and  poetical 
land  of  dreams  for  real  life.  A  few  months'  stay 
in  the  beautiful  neighbourhood  at  Creisau  woiüd 
do  all  of  them  good.  It  has  been  oiFered  to  them 
repeatedly.  Marie  joins  me  in  love  to  yourself 
and  Guste.  Helmuth. 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  127 

Berlin,  January  8th,  1869.' 

Dear  Fritz, 

You  will  have  learnt  from  my  letter  to 
Guste  how  pleased  I  am  Avith  the  plan  of  our  living 
together,  and  how  I  value  the  sacrifice  which  you 
are  thus  making  for  me.  But  I  feel  that  I  must 
remind  you  again  of  one  fact  connected  with  it, 
namely,  that  I  occupy  these  rooms  in  an  official 
capacity,  and  when  I  die  they  must  be  given  up, 
in  which  case  you  would,  of  course,  be  obliged  to 
move  again. 

If,  in  spite  of  this  objection,  you  still  like  to 
keep  to  our  arrangement,  it  will  be  best  for  you 
to  settle  at  Creisau  for  good,  for  Creisau  is  the 
piece  of  earth  which  our  family  possesses  ;  and 
pass  the  winter  or,  if  you  like,  the  greater  part  of 
the  year  in  Berlin  with  me  as  a  visitor.  I  hope 
to  spend  the  spring  and  autumn  at  my  country 
seat.  In  the  autumn  I  have  to  attend  the  man- 
cEuvres  and  to  travel  on  General  Staff  duty,  which 
will  take  several  weeks.  During  that  time  you 
could  stay  quietly   in  the  country.     I  hope  you 

^  After  his  wife's  death  which  took  place  on  December  2ith, 
18G8. 


128  Selections  from  Letters 

will  take  every  tiling  there  that  has  become  dear 
to  you  through  okl  associations,  as  the  house 
is  very  roomy.  I  shall  he  glad  of  everything  you 
like  to  have  about  you. 

If  you  decide  on  joining  me,  I  shall  do  every- 
thing in  my  jDower  to  assure  you  an  independent 

future. 

Helmute. 

Berlin  in  June,  1869. 

Dear  Fritz, 

I  received  both  your  letters  by  the  after- 
noon post,  and  I  arranged  everything  at  once. 

Adolf  said  in  his  letter,  that  he  was  coming  to 
Creisau  in  the  middle  of  July,  but  I  am  sorry  to 
say  only  for  a  fortnight.  Nobody  will  thank  him 
for  it,  and  nobody  could  lilame  him  if  he  asked 
for  a  six  weeks'  or  three  months'  leave.  I  have 
projDOsed  to  him  to  come  and  meet  me  as  early  as 
the  20th  inst.,  we  could  then  travel  by  rail 
tosrether  throu2:li  the  lovely  mountains ;  but  there 
is  nothing  to  be  done  with  him ;  he  thinks  the  sea- 
surrounded  country  would  fall  to  j)ieces  if  he  did 
not  write  certain  documents  himself. 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  129 

I  am  getting  on  quite  well  and  am  glad  that 

my  loneliness  will  soon  come  to  an  end.     I  am 

very  thankful  to  you   for  Avriting  so  frequently, 

it  is  almost  as  if  I  were  with  you.     As  it  is  late, 

I  must  conclude,  and  remain,  with  hearty  greetings. 

Yours, 

Helmuth. 

Berlin,  June  22nd,  1869. 
Dear  Fritz, 

I  had  not  gone  to  Bremen  on  official 
business,  but  had  been  ordered  to  Wilhelmshaven. 
However,  I  had  accepted  the  invitation  of  the  town, 
to  be  its  guest,  and  the  papers  are  full  of  intellec- 
tual things  that  I  might  have  said,  but  which  I 
did  not  say. 

The  King  has  dissolved   the   Zollparlament  to- 
day in  person. 

With  much  love,  and  hoping  much  to  see  you 
again  soon, 

Helmuth. 

Reims,  September  6th,  1870. 
Wer  zählt  die  Völker,  wer  nennt  die  Namen,  die 

K 


130  Selections  from  Letters 

gestern  liier  zusammen  kamen !  ^  There  stands 
the  mighty  Cathedral  in  which  the  Kings  of 
France,  Clovis,  St.  Louis,  all  the  other  Louis  and 
Charles  X.,  were  cro^vned.  Close  by,  in  the  Arch- 
bishop's palace,  King  William  is  staying  now  ;  in 
the  large  courtyard  an  armed  company  is  bivouac- 
ing,  and  in  the  city  a  whole  Army-corps  is 
quartered.  The  cannon,  munition-waggons  and 
transport,  are  well  arranged  along  the  promenade. 
The  large  hotel  opposite  is  crowded  with  officers, 
regaling  themselves  after  their  many  bivouacs. 
We  have  been  warned  that  the  whole  city  is 
undermined  with  millions  of  bottles  of  cham- 
pagne. It  is  not  surprising  that  some  hundreds 
of  them  exploded  yesterday  ;  nothing  else  could 
be  expected  in  hot  weather  like  this,  and  where 
there  are  so  many  thirsty  throats.  Everywhere 
friends  met  and  greeted  each  other,  but  many 
a  one  was  missed,  who  is  resting  now  under- 
neath the  green  turf.  Of  our  friends  from 
Creisau,  I  met  Colonel  v.  Bock,  Count  Reichen- 

'  ""Who  counts  the  nations,  knows  the  names."  Well-known 
lines  by  Schiller.  The  last  Avords  are  an  addition  made  by 
:Moltke. 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  131 

bach,  Lieutenant  Goldammer  ;  all  were  well.  In 
the  evening  our  gardener  came,  and  was  glad  to 
see  Augustus  and  Ernest.  He  has  been  attached 
to  the  sanitary  corps,  and  wears  the  red  cross. 
His  corps,  the  sixth,  has  not  been  in  any  engage- 
ment as  yet,  nevertheless  they  will  very  likely  be 
the  first  to  see  the  towers  of  Notre  Dame.  On 
our  way  here,  the  day  before  yesterday,  we  passed 
the  camp  of  the  Tenth  Division,  and  found  Hel- 
mutli  with  the  officers  of  his  regiment  sitting 
under  an  apple-tree.  He  looks  a  little  thin,  but 
assured  me  he  was  perfectly  well.  He  said  he 
had  "  plenty "  of  money  ;  refused  a  sausage,  and 
was  contented  with  a  bottle  of  wine  out  of  my 
carriasre.  His  coat  tails  were  riddled  with  shot, 
but  he  himself  is  unharmed,  and  in  good  spirits. 
He  will  receive  his  promotion  as  an  officer  in  a 
few  days. 

Willielm  is  before  ]\Ietz  and  will  not  allow 
Bazaine  to  come  out.  One  attempt  had  already 
been  made  before  his  arrival.  I  think  his  only 
course  is  to  capitulate  very  soon.  It  will  be  quite 
embarrassing  to  know  what  to  do  with  200,000 
prisoners. 

K  2 


132  Selections  from  Letters 

I  think  I  have  akeady  tokl  you,  that  I  received 
the  painful  commission  of  informing  the  French 
plenipotentiaries,  that  MacMahon  and  his  whole 
Army  had  been  taken  prisoners,  and  that  I  had  to 
settle  the  conditions.  These  negotiations  took  place 
from  twelve  to  two  o'clock,  in  the  night  after  the 
battle  of  Sedan.  The  following  morning.  General 
WimpfFen,  who  was  in  command,  after  Mac- 
Mahon was  wounded,  was  to  state  definitely  his 
terms,  but  Napoleon  came  himself.  I  could  not, 
however,  treat  with  him,  as  he  was  a  prisoner  of 
war,  having  written  to  the  King  the  day  before  : 
"  N 'ayant  pas  pu  mourir  au  milieu  de  mes  troupes 
il  ne  me  reste  qua  remettre  mon  ej)ee  entre  les 
mains  de  Votre  Majeste."  I  met  him  in  a 
miserable  peasant's  hut,  close  behind  our  outposts, 
in  expectation  of  an  interview  with  the  King  ;  he 
was  in  full  uniform,  sitting  on  a  Avooden  chair. 
AYhen  I  entered,  he  rose  and  asked  me  to  take  a 
seat,  wdiich  was  opposite  him.  To  his  projDosals 
I  could  only  answer,  that  nothing  less  than  the 
capitulation  of  the  whole  Army  was  demanded, 
and  that  I  should  have  to  give  the  signal  for  the 
renewal  of  the  firing,  if  the  Army  had  not  sur- 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  133 

rendered  before  ten  o'clock.  ''  C'est  bien  dur," 
he  sighed.  But  he  was  quiet  and  resigned  to  his 
fate.  Soon  after  a  capitulation,  drawn  up  by  us 
and  translated,  was  signed  without  hesitation  by  the 
unfortunate  WimpfFen.  He  had  arrived  from 
Africa  only  two  days  before,  and  he  must  have  found 
his  position  at  the  head  of  the  totally  demoralized 
and  terribly  excited  soldiers  at  Sedan  a  most  trying 
one.  But  eighty  cannon  stood  close  before  the  town, 
Avith  150,000  men  behind  them.  WimpiFen  has 
received  permission  to  go  to  Wllrtemberg,  where 
he  has  relations  (doubtless  our  cousin  Kathchen 
belongs  to  the  same  family).  He  will  never  be 
forgiven  in  France  for  having  signed  the  treaty, 
however  innocent  he  may  have  been  of  the  great 
catastrophe. 

By-the-bye,  he  has  thanked  me  by  letter  for  the 
considerate  manner  in  which  these  painful  nego- 
tiations have  been  conducted. 

On  the  following  morning,  a  long  row  of 
carriages,  escorted  by  a  squadron  of  Black  Hussars 
(the  Death-Heads),  drove  in  pouring  rain  through 
Donchery  on  the  high-road  to  Bouillon  (in 
Belgium).     Count  Bismarck   looked   out   of    the 


134  Selections  from  Letters 

■window  on  one  side  of  the  street,  myself  on  the 
other  ;  the  abdicated  Emperor  bowed,  and  a  piece 
of  the  world's  history  was  finished. 

Everybody  is  anxious  to  know  what  will  become 
of  France  ;  no  donbt  a  military  republic.  Mean- 
while we  shall  march  to  Paris. 

Helmuth. 


Reims,  September  11th,  1870. 

"While  our  troops  are  making  long  marches 
on  account  of  new  operations,  the  Commanders- 
in-Chief  have  been  allowed  to  remain  in  this 
ancient  city,  where  the  kings  used  to  be  crowned. 

"We  all  enjoy  this  rest,  it  will  also  be  a  boon  to 
the  horses,  who  have  kept  up  wonderfully  so  far. 
The  weather  is  bad,  cold  and  damp  ;  we  see  nothing 
of  the  fine  climate  of  France. 

"Wilhelm  moves  on  to-morrow  to  besiege  Toul, 
unless  the  cavalry  is  sent  here  to  Reims.  Hel- 
muth  is  at  present  near  Montmirail. 

I  hope  you  have  had  my  two  last  letters 
from  here,  and  that  you  will  soon  receive  forty 
bottles  of  champagne  which  I  have  sent,  and  with 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  135 

which,  I  hope,  you  will  drink  the  health  of  our 
brave  troops. 

By  rights  the  war  ought  to  be  ended  now  as 
France  has  no  longer  an  Army ;  one  has  capitulated 
and  the  other  will  certainly  have  to  do  so.  At  Metz 
this  is  the  twenty-fourth  day  that  200,000  mouths 
have  had  to  be  fed.  We  hear  from  the  prisoners 
that  they  have  begim  to  eat  horse  flesh.  Bazaine 
may  make  another  desperate  attempt  to  cut  through 
the  lines,  but  all  necessary  precautions  to  prevent 
it  have  been  taken.  In  Paris  there  are  no  other 
soldiers  left  but  the  incomplete  corps  Vinoy,  and  a 
very  large  number  of  gardes  nationales,  men  who 
defend  themselves  behind  ramparts  and  ditches, 
but  who  can  never  dare  to  come  out  and  fight  our 
men  in  the  open  field.  The  difficulty  is  that  there 
is  no  authority  with  whom  peace  can  be  concluded. 
The  present  Government  was  established  in  this 
manner :  at  the  last  ridiculous  meeting  a  work- 
man jumped  upon  the  president's  chair,  rang  the 
bell  and  proclaimed  the  republic.  AVliat  the  rest 
of  France  and  the  wealthy  classes  think  of  it,  we 
do  not  know. 

Yesterday  I  drove  with  Henry  and  de  Claer  to 


136  Selections  from  Letters 

the  forsaken  camp  near  Chalons.  A  fortnight  ago, 
when  the  4th  Cavahy  division,  the  "  uhlans  ijtus- 
slens,''  who  were  known  to  have  stormed  villages 
on  foot,  were  said  to  be  advancing,  the  terror  was 
so  great  that  the  whole  Army  Corps  fled  to  Reims 
and  in  such  haste,  that  our  horsemen  found  half- 
served  breakfasts,  cannon,  trunks,  women's  clothes, 
and  letters  just  begun.  Here  all  the  walls  are  bored 
through  to  make  loopholes,  great  entrenchments 
had  been  constructed,  but  they  were  never  used. 

To-day  we  received  the  news  of  the  unhappy 
catastrophe  at  Laon  ;  you  Avill  have  read  of  it  in 
the  papers  before  you  receive  these  lines.  The 
number  of  victims  which  this  war  demands  is 
dreadful,  and,  in  s^Dite  of  this,  the  English  would 
have  us  contented  with  money  !  With  God's  help 
we  shall  be  able,  in  a  fortnight,  to  meet  every  un- 
called-for mediator  with  200,000  men,  and  yet, 
with  the  remainder,  be  able  to  finish  our  war  with 
France.  People  have  not  yet  learned  the  meaning 
of  the  word  "  Deutschland,"  but  what  is  of  far 
greater  importance,  Germany  herself  has  learnt  it 
now.     Best  love. 

Helmute. 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  137 

Versailles,  December  12th,  1870. 

Dear  Fritz, 

We  have  had  as  much  as  ten  cle2;rees  R.  of 
cold ;  to-day  it  began  suddenly  to  thaw.  Such 
an  early  winter  is  very  unusual  here,  and  people 
say  that  it  is  a  new  "  Chicane  de  Monsieur  Bis- 
marck." 

We  hear  more  of  Paris  from  English  and  Belgian 
papers  by  Berlin  than  here  close  before  the  town, 
where  only  the  Valerien  (Ballerien  as  our  people 
call  it)  speaks  to  us.  The  gates  of  the  city  are 
guarded,  and  even  the  troops,  who  camp  between 
the  ramparts  and  the  forts,  know  nothing  of  what 
occurs  in  the  city.  We  expect  another  desperate 
sally,  but  this  will  probably  be  the  last.  The  raw 
French  recruits  are  beaten  in  the  open  field  one 
after  another,  but  we  cannot  be  everywhere  ;  little 
surprises  cannot  be  avoided,  but  require  to  be 
punished  with  inexorable  severity.  When  a  hand- 
ful of  ruffians,  armed  with  guns  and  flags,  throng 
into  the  houses,  singing  the  Marseillaise,  shoot  out 
of  the  windows  and  run  away  by  the  back  door, 
the  city  has  to  suffer  for  it.  Those  towns  which 
have  a  gamson  of  the  enemy's  troops  may  think 


I  ;S  Selections  from  Letters 


J 


themselves  Jiappy.  Our  relations  liere  are  well. 
Henry  is  "wcU  and  in  good  s2Dints.  I  suppose 
Guste  was  much  pleased  to  hear  that  he  has  re- 
ceived the  iron  cross.  To-night  he  is  to  sing  to 
the  CrowTLi  Prince,  who  likes  to  hear  him.  Herr 
von  Keudell  will  accompany  him  on  the  piano. 

I  had  a  postcard  from  William  not  long  ago. 
He  is  following  up  the  Army  of  the  Loire  at  this 
moment ;  he  is  often  cold  and  himgry,  but  other- 
wise well.  He  has  a  hundred  and  twenty  thalers 
(£18)  allowance  to  receive  from  me,  but  money  is 
of  no  use  where  nothing  can  be  had  for  it.  I  hope 
he  will  soon  have  a  little  rest  in  the  beautiful  and 
rich  country  of  Touraine.  Unfortunately  he  had 
to  leave  the  fine  horse  wdiich  I  had  jriven  him,  ill, 
at  Rambouillet,  and  vvdien  Henry  went  there  to 
fetch  it,  it  had  been  killed. 

Helmuth  had  to  be  outpost  again  yesterday. 
The  brave  boy  always  does  his  duty  joyfully. 
Almost  every  night  the  forts  fire  heavy  cannon  at 
hap-hazard.  Out  of  a  hundred  bombs  perhaps 
one  will  hit  by  chance.  In  the  daytime  the 
outposts  signal  Avhen  a  sliot  is  coming,  for  the 
men   to  have  time  to  lie  down  on   the   ground, 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  139 

where  they  have  not  much  to  fear  from  the  spHn- 
ters,  though  it  can  never  be  pleasant.  It  seems 
that  the  French  add  daily  a  pound  of  powder  to 
each  loading ;  they  reach  already  as  far  as  Versailles. 
Nothing  is  gained  by  this  waste  of  ammunition, 
and  the  relieving  armies  they  still  hope  to  see, 
will  never  hear  them.  Henry  and  I  have  just  been 
to  take  a  laro-e  tin  I30X  with  Mao-deburo;  Sauer- 
kraut,  another  tin  box  with  salt  meat,  a  bag  of 
peas  and  two  bottles  of  champagne  to  Hehnuth. 
The  poor  boys  will  have  a  jolly  evening. 

The  garde-du-corps  has  not  been  in  any  fights 
lately.  Ludwig  is  on  the  Loire.  No  news  of  the 
prisoner  of  war,  Count  BrockdorfF,  has  come,  and 
it  is  impossible  to  liberate  him.  "We  have  offered, 
through  the  American  ambassador  in  Paris,  to 
exchange  all  the  prisoners ;  we  have  a  stock  of 
them,  more  than  enough,  but  the  French  have  so 
few  of  ours  that  they  want  to  keep  them  for  the 
sake  of  being  asked  for  them.  So  our  oiFer  has 
remained  unanswered.  But,  with  God's  help,  the 
day  is  not  far  off  when  all  the  prisoners  will  be 
released.  The  French  now  have  their  Government 
in  three  places,  in  Bordeaux,  in  Paris,  and  before 


140  Selections  from  Letters 

Paris,  for  Trocliu  has,  so  to  say,  shut  himself  out 
from  the  city. 

My  compliments  to  General  Hanenfeldt,  Scheller 
and  Gliczinski,  and  all  who  remember  me.  It  is 
late  ;  I  must  conclude.  Much  love  and  a  joyful 
Christmas. 

Helmute. 

Versailles,  January  1st,  1871. 

A  happy  New  Year  to  you ! 

May  it  bring  peace,  peace  to  the  whole  country, 
and  the  peace  of  God  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing to  every  single  subject. 

(Here  follows  family  news  about  the  relations  on 
the  scene  of  war.) 

Berlin,  Jime  13th,  1871. 
Dear  Fritz, 

I  received  your  letter  from  Kreuth  yester- 
day, and  am  pleased  that  you  like  your  stay  there. 
I,  too,  shall  have  to  go  to  Gastein  for  a  short 
treatment.  I  hope  to  be  able  to  get  aAvay  during 
the  last  ten  days  of  this  month,  after  the  wmding 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  141 

Tip  of  business  and  the  entrance  of  the  troops  into 
Berlin,  which  takes  place  on  Friday,  and  which 
will  last  five  hours.  It  is  a  pity  that  you  are  not 
here  to  see  it.  It  will  be  most  unfortunate  if 
the  weather  does  not  change.  From  Lenne  Street 
to  the  Brandenburg  gate  immense  stands  have  been 
erected  for  about  a  hundred  thousand  men.  At 
the  Halle  and  Potsdam  gates  stand  the  equestrian 
statues  of  Germania  and  Alsacia,  which  may  col- 
lapse in  the  continual  rain  if  one  does  not  put 
giant  umbrellas  into  their  hands.  The  large  Belle- 
Alliance  Square  is  occupied  by  two  stands,  which 
reach  as  high  as  the  second  stories  of  the  houses  ; 
just  the  same  arrangement  has  been  made  in  the 
squares  before  the  Opera,  University  and  Lust- 
garten. Numerous  poles  ornamented  with  flags 
and  streamers  are  fixed  up  along  the  Via  Trium- 
phalis and  Unter  den  Linden,  cannon  and  mitrail- 
leuses are  placed  on  both  sides  from  the  gate  to 
the  palace ;  they  are  closely  packed,  more  than  a 
thousand  pieces,  not  quite  a  fourth  part  of  the 
number  which  we  have  taken  from  the  French. 
The   house  ^   is    proceeding   but    slowly.      The 

^  The  new  General  Staff-buildincr  in  Berlin. 


142  Selections  from  Letters 

balcony  is  finished  and  the  view  from  it  over  the 
Thiergarten,  which  is  greener  than  ever,  is  very- 
fine.     With  best  love  to  Guste, 

Your  Helmutii. 

St.  Petersburg,  Dec.  11th,  1871. 
Dear  Fritz, 

It  is  not  easy  to  find  a  free  moment  for 
letter-writing  here.  But  to-day  I  will  at  least 
give  you  a  sign  of  life,  as  it  is  already  a  week 
since  we  left  Berlin.^  There  is  so  much  to  tell, 
that  I  must  keep  the  greater  part  till  we  meet. 
But  I  must  say  this,  that  in  spite  of  the  many 
dejeuners,  diners,  and  soirees,  we  are  still  quite 
well  and  in  good  spirits,  and  that  we  have  not 
only  been  received  with  the  greatest  attention,  but 
with  real  heartiness.  The  Emperor  himself  likes 
to  distinguish  us  on  every  occasion  and  to  give 
expression  to  his  good  opinion  of  our  Army.  He 
has  conferred  on  me  his  highest  decoration,  the 
order  of  St.  Andrew.  I  occupy  a  whole  suite  of 
rooms  in   the   Winter   Palace,    a   colonel    of  the 

^  Moltkc  had  gone  iu  attendance  on  Prince  Frederick  Charles 
to  the  St.  George's  festival  at  St.  Petersburrr. 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  143 

General  Staff  is  in  attendance ;  there  are  daily  two 
dinners  with  champagne,  one  is  called  dejeuner, 
the  other  dinner;  in  the  evening  boxes  at  five 
theatres  are  at  our  disposal ;  besides  that  there  are 
soirees ;  and  a  carriage  with  a  lackey,  a  coach,  and 
a  sledge,  are  always  ready  for  us.  The  newspapers 
will  probably  tell  you  all  about  the  great  St. 
George's  festival.  There  were  more  than  a  thou- 
sand people  and  more  than  a  hundred  flags  in  the 
immense  rooms  of  this  palace.  We  must  have  walked 
several  "  versts  "  by  the  time  we  had  followed  the 
Czar  through  every  hall.  After  the  reception,  Mass 
was  celebrated  ;  then  there  was  a  dinner  down- 
stairs for  700  soldiers  of  St.  George's  Cross,  and  a 
banquet  of  500  covers  for  the  Court  in  a  large  hall. 
Yesterday's  parade  went  off  well.  There  were 
forty  battalions,  thirty-four  squadrons  and  artillery 
in  the  square  before  the  castle,  along  the  Admiralty 
building,  and  St.  Isaac's  Church  as  far  as  the 
statue  of  Peter  the  Great.  It  was  not  very  cold, 
at  the  most  G°  R.,  and  the  sun  came  out,  which  is 
very  rarely  the  case  at  this  season.  I  had  an 
excellent  horse,  and  everything  went  off  as  well  as 
possible. 


144  Selections  from  Letters 

But  there  is  so  much  to  be  seen  here,  that  all 
my  free  time,  after  visits  paid  and  parades 
attended,  is  filled  up.  It  is  very  convenient  that 
the  palace  of  the  Empress  Catherine,  the  Eremitage, 
is  connected  with  the  Winter  Palace.  The  greatest 
art  treasures  are  heaped  up  there.  Then  it  is  a 
great  pleasure  to  dri^'e  in  a  sledge  through  the 
lively  streets,  the  prospect  and  the  Morskaja,  etc. 
There  are  60,000  sledges  in  St.  Petersburg.  You 
can  imagine  the  crowd.  Everybody  drives  at  a 
sharp  trot,  passing  each  other  closely  without  ever 
touching.  Probably  we  shall  go  on  to  Moscow, 
and  I  shall  not  be  back  before  another  week.  The 
Grand  Duchess  Helena  is  very  fond  of  music. 
This  evening  her  Imperial  Highness  has,  so  she 
told  me,  arranged  a  quartet  for  me.  Before  going 
there,  we  shall  dine  with  the  Czar,  who  honoured 
me  with  a  visit  to-day.  Everything  is  done  to 
show  us  respect ;  our  servants,  too,  are  very  well 
looked  after.  Auo-ustus  ffoes  to  see  the  ballet  to- 
night.  Yesterday  we  heard  Lucca  as  Zerline  in 
Don  Giovanni.  The  carriages  wait  outside  the 
palaces  and  theatres  in  spite  of  the  cold,  and  one 
can  get  away  at  any  moment.     I  profit  by  it  in 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  145 

trying   to  be   in   bed   before   midnight ;    on   the 

whole,  the  night  is  made  into  day,   and  as  it  is 

dark  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  day  is 

very  short.     With  best  love, 

Helmuth. 

Creisaii,  June  22nd,  1872. 
Dear  Fritz, 

Your  last  two  letters  of  the  13th  and  15th 

have  arrived  all  right,  and  we  have  heard  at  last 

from  the  other  travellers.     Henry  and  Kiithchen  ^ 

had  gone  in  search   of  Ludwig,   and   had  learnt 

"  wat  bi  'ne  Oeven-aschung  herutkiimmt."  ^     After 

a  short  stay  at  Venice  they  went  to  Lake  Garda, 

embarked  for  Bellagio  and   hurried  to  Ludwigs 

house — but  oh  !  here  they  were  received  with  the 

word  of  terror,  "  those  you  are  in  search  of  have 

departed;"^    where?    nobody    knew.     Kiithchen 

broke  out  into  tears,  Henry  into  loud  laughter. 

'  Fräulein  Katharina  von  Wimpffen,  a  cousin  of  the  Field- 
Marshal. 

^  Title  of  a  book  by  Reuter,  author  of  -well-known  tales  in 
the  "  patois  "  of  Mecklenburg. 

^  Quotation  in  parody  of  Schiller's  "Gang  nach  dem 
Eisenhammer." 

L 


146  Selections  from  Letters 

They  hastened  on  to  Brunncck — no  Ludwig  there, 
he  had  ffone  on  an  excursion  to  Venice  and 
Trent.  Kathchen  then  went  to  Klagenfurt  to  her 
sister;  Henry  had  a  delightful  journey  through 
Switzerland  and  the  Engadine,  and  met  Ludwig 
at  last  at  Brunneck.  Käthi  was  expected  there  ; 
he  will  accompany  her  to  Munich  on  the  23rd, 
then  come  here  by  Prague.  I  expect  him  about 
the  25th  or  26th  instant.  Guste  comes  on  the 
28th ;  Ludwig  is  longing  for  home.  Hanne  ^  is  to 
stay  three  months  at  Brunneck.  They  like  it  very 
much. 

Brunneck  is  close  to  Gastein,  but  the  Tauern 
can  hardly  be  passed  except  on  foot.  Ludwig  is 
thinking  of  going  to  Gastein. 

My  programme  for  the  summer  is  as  follows  : 
on  September  6th  I  must  be  in  Berlin,  on  account 
of  the  Emperor  of  Austria's  visit.  My  journey  on 
General  Staff  business  will  be  in  Alsace,  therefore 
I  had  to  fix  the  interview  at  Miilhausen  as  early 
as  August  15th.  If  I  go  to  Gastein  at  all,  I  shall 
have  to  leave  this  place  in  the  middle  of  July.' 

I  cannot  get  rid  of  my  rheumatism  here,  it  has 
'  His  brother  Ludwig's  eldest  daughter. 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  147 

moved  from  the  back  into  the  left  leg.  Gastein 
would  not  cure  it,  but  the  air  there  is  strengthen- 
ing and  good  for  the  constitution.  The  rooms 
here  are  very  cold,  and  I  may  make  it  worse  by. 
working  out  of  doors  and  by  getting  warm  pruning 
trees,  &c. 

Auguste  Moltke  has  become  wonderfully  strong, 
here,  she  can  now  walk  as  far  as  the  Mühlenberg. 
The  four  girls  are  very  happy,  and  enjoy  them- 
selves immensely  with  croquet,  ball-playing,  and 
driving. 

All  of  us  greet  you  heartily. 

Helmuth. 

Ragatz,  June  24th,  1874. 
Dear  Fritz, 

On  the  21st  I  went  to  Freiberg  in  Saxony, 

on  the  12  th   to   Augsburg,    yesterday   I   arrived 

here,  and  to-day  I  had  my  first  bath.     The  scenery 

here  is  finer  than  at  Gastein  and  life  is  pleasanter. 

The  country   is  beautiful ;  a  very  large  building 

has  been  added  to  the  old  hotel  where  I  stayed  in 

1865  for  the  last  time  with  Marie.     Close  by  there 

are  most  beautiful   gardens  with  rare  trees  and 

L  2 


148  Selections  from  Letters 

vines  in  bloom,  and  the  air  is  scented  with 
mignonette  and  roses.  I  had  to  take  rooms  at 
the  top  of  the  house,  and  have  to  ascend  seventy- 
two  steps  ;  but  the  view  from  my  Avindows  is  so 
charming,  that  I  cannot  make  up  my  mind  to 
change  them  for  other  rooms  lower  down.  On 
one  side  the  neat  little  place  is  enclosed  by  a 
wooded  hill,  on  the  other  side  by  the  Rhine  and 
the  precipitous,  bare  Falkniss.  There  I  must  not 
be  seen,  or  else  I  might  run  the  risk  of  being  taken 
to  Vaduz  as  a  prisoner  of  war.  At  Nikolsberg 
they  have  neglected  to  make  peace  with  Liechten- 
stein, so  that  according  to  the  rights  of  war,  the 
Vaduz  Army  might  enter  Germany  if  it  liked,  and 
in  my  opinion  the  principality  is  still  in  a  state 
of  war  with  us.  In  the  distance  beyond,  tower 
the  heights  of  the  Vorarlberg  Alps  still  covered 
with  large  snow-fields ;  on  this  side  of  the  Rhine 
which,  by-the-bye,  is  quite  ugly  here,  old  ruins 
of  castles  like  Friedenstein,  Werdenberg,  and 
Krogems  stand  out  on  the  wooded  hills.  Near 
the  last-named  castle,  which  is  still  inhabited,  a 
plain  stretches  along  between  the  Rhine  and 
the    Wallensee.     A   ditch,   of  about  ten  feet   in 


To  His  Brother  Fritz.  149 

depth,  or  a  very  high  flooding  of  the  big  stream, 
would  carry  its  Avaters  into  the  lake.  But  such 
an  arrangement  would  j^ut  an  end  to  the  Falls  at 
Schaffliausen,  and  the  consequence  would  be  a 
dull,  dirty  stream  at  Cologne,  something  like  the 
colour  of  the  Rhine  here  where  it  flows  out  of  the 
slate  mountains.  It  does  not  become  clear  till  it 
leaves  the  Lake  of  Constance,  near  the  town  of  that 
name,  like  pure  green  crystal.  Fortunately  this 
basin,  which  is  a  thousand  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea,  is  also  a  thousand  feet  deep,  and  is  able  to 
receive  all  the  mud  and  the  rolling  stones  which 
devastate  the  upper  valley  of  the  stream,  and 
bave  formed  a  delta  stretching  out  for  miles 
near  the  entrance  of  the  river.  Its  stagnant  waters, 
no  doubt,  render  the  air  here  less  healthy  than  at 
Gastein.  The  living  is  much  dearer  too  than  it  is 
there.  We  are  extremely  well  fed,  and  can  make 
lovely  excursions  from  here  by  rail  with  great 
comfort. 

I  must  conclude  my  report  for  to-day.     With 
much  love,  dear  Fritz, 

Your  brother, 

Helmutit. 


LETTERS    TO    WILHELM    VOM 
MOLTKE. 

We  begin  tliis  part  of  the  colloction  -with  a  letter  from  the 
Field-Marshal  to  his  brother  Adolf,  Wilhelm's  father,  which 
requires  the  following  explanations  : — Williclm  von  Moltke 
was  a  boy  at  the  Gymnasium  at  Altona,  in  18(53,  who,  accord- 
ing to  his  own  statement,  had  grown  beyond  his  strength  ;  and 
after  a  severe  cold  he  had  hemorrhage.  His  uncle,  who  was  at 
that  time  at  Frankfort-on-the-Maine,  attending  a  Conference 
on  the  Danish  question,  was  informed  of  this  fact  by  Wilhelm's 
father.  The  Field-Marshal  replied  that  he  Avished  Wilhelm 
to  be  sent  to  Wiesbaden,  where  he  would  probably  grow 
stronger  in  the  mild  climate,  and  at  the  same  time  he  could 
iinish  his  school  studies  ;  he  would  pay  the  expenses,  and 
would  be  glad  to  relieve  his  brother.      So  it  was  arranged. 

Berlin,  Dec.  6tli,  1863. 
Dear  Adolf, 

.  .  .  Most  likely  you  arc  anxious  to  hear 

details  about  Wilhelm.^     Last  Wednesday  night  he 

'  Born  September  11th,  184G.  Now  Lieutenant-Colonel  v. 
Moltke,  present  owner  of  the  entailed  estates  of  Creisau,  and 
commander  of  the  Leib-Cuirassier-Kegiment,  Great  Elector 
(Süesian)  No.  1. 


Selections  from  Letters,  Etc.         151 

arrived  at  Frankfort  after  a  journey  of  fifteen  hours, 
well  and  with  a  good  appetite  ;  there  he  had  a  warm 
room  and  an  excellent  bed.  As  the  weather  was 
bad  he  had  not  seen  much  on  his  journey,  but  had 
slept  the  greater  part  of  the  time.  I  had  intended 
taking  him  to  AViesbaden,  on  Thursday,  but  it 
rained  incessantly,  and  I  wished  that  he  should 
receive  a  good  impression  of  his  future  abode.  I 
therefore  kept  him  at  Frankfort,  and,  as  far  as  the 
weather  permitted,  he  went  about  seeing  the  Cathe- 
dral, the  Eömerberg,  the  Gutenberg  statue,  in  short 
the  principal  sights  of  the  town.  In  the  evening  I 
took  him  to  the  theatre,  where  Marschner's  pretty 
opera  "  Hans  Heyling  "  was  performed.  We  left 
at  ten  o'clock  on  Friday,  the  day  before  yesterday. 
It  was  cold,  and  the  first  snow  lay  on  the  Taurus 
Mountains.  Our  first  visit  at  Wiesbaden  was  to  the 
Headmaster  S.,  but  we  did  not  find  him  at  home  ; 
then  we  went  to  Comtesse  B.  She  seemed  to 
think  that  she  had  been  asked  to  settle  definitively 
about  Wilhelm's  stay  at  Wiesbaden.  As  she  cannot 
go  out,  she  had  made  some  arrangement  through 
her  physician  with  a  Professor  M.  His  fees  were 
higher  than  I  had  intended  to  give.     I  had  to  give 


152  Selections  from  Letters 

lip  a  Fräulein  F.,  whom  the  Headmaster  had  parti- 
cularly recommended  to  me  ;  but  at  all  events,  I 
wished  to  hear  first  more  about  Professor  M.,  who 
was  said  to  live  well,  but  rather  above  his  means. 
I  looked  at  his  house  from  the  outside,  it  stands  in 
T.  street,  the  warmest  part  of  the  toAvn,  surrounded 
by  the  hot  springs.  Through  the  middle  of  the 
town  there  is  an  iron-covered  Avalk  which  is  over- 
groAvn  with  the  vine  in  summer,  so  that  it  is 
always  a  pleasant  promenade.  From  there  we 
went  to  the  Headmaster,  who  received  Willielm 
very  kindly.  He  said  there  was  no  objection  to 
Professor  M.,  though  he  had  not  mentioned  him 
at  first. 

We  then  went  to  the  Professor,  after  having 
refreshed  ourselves  by  a  dinner  at  the  hotel. 
Unfortunately  we  only  saw  the  ''  Frau  Professorin," 
au  old  lady  of  few  words,  and  no  crinoline,  simply 
but  tidily  dressed  ;  the  rooms  are  small,  but  every- 
thing was  in  good  order.  Wilhelm's  room  is  very 
small,  with  one  window  looking  on  to  the  back,  but 
it  is  the  south  side  ;  view,  there  is  none.  She  did 
not  know  the  terms,  and  her  mathematical  husband 
was  not  expected  home  before  4  o'clock. 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  153 

We  therefore  made  use  of  this  unexpected 
leisure,  and  of  some  convenient  sunny  hours  to  go 
up  to  the  Greek  chapel  which  lies  on  a  height  near 
the  Waldthurm,  whence  one  has  a  beautiful  view 
over  the  Rheingau  towards  the  high  cupolas  of 
the  distant  cathedral  of  Mayence.  We  visited 
the  mausoleum  of  the  late  Grand  Duchess  there. 
On  our  return  to  the  town  I  showed  Wilhelm  the 
gambling  tables,  which  looked  quite  inviting. 
Before  the  Kurhaus,  two  splendid  fountains  in  large 
basins  were  playing,  all  round  it  were  numerous 
gas  lights.  The  Grand  Ducal  band  plays  every 
day  in  the  large  hall  with  its  marble  pillars. 
Adjoining  this  hall  are  the  refreshment  rooms 
with  mao-nificent  lookino;-o-lasses  and  rich  silk 
hangings,  and  reading-rooms ;  also  the  four  large 
halls  with  their  four  green  tables  closely  crowded  all 
round  with  gamblers  and  lookers-on.  Deep  silence 
reigns  there.  No  sound  is  heard  but  the  rolling  of 
the  ball  on  the  roulette  table  and  its  falling  into  the 
hole,  tlie  chinking  of  the  gold  and  silver  coins, 
most  heaps  of  which  are  generally  pitilessly  swept 
off  by  the  croupiers.  In  other  cases  the  money  is 
carelessly  thrown  towards  the  winner.     Everybody 


154  Selections  from  Letters 

tries  to  appear  indifferent,  but  only  the  bank  is 
so  in  reality,  as  it  is  certain  of  the  gain,  with  the 
surplus  of  which  the  greater  part  of  this  Eden  has 
been  created :  the  park,  the  playing  waters,  even 
streets  and  railways. 

Of  course,  the  pupils  of  the  Gymnasium  ^  are  not 
allowed  to  enter  the  Kurhaus,  but  it  seemed  right 
to  me  to  satisfy  the  natural  curiosity  of  a  young 
man  in  a  prudent  manner.  He  has  been  warned 
of  gambling  now. 

At  last  we  met  the  professor  in  his  dressing 
gown,  in  a  very  comfortable  study.  He  said  every- 
thing would  be  ready  for  Wilhelm,  whom  he  would 
treat  like  a  son.  He  seems  a  good-natured  old 
gentleman.  There  is  also  a  daughter  who  plays 
the  piano.  As  they  had  visitors  I  did  not  see  her ; 
but  judging  by  the  parents  I  should  not  think 
that  she  would  be  dangerous. 

I  have  told  them  that  Wilhelm  must  neither 
take  tea,  coffee,  nor  wine.  The  Professor  pro- 
posed weak  tea  in  the  evening,  which  did  not 
seem  inviting.  He  promised  that  it  should  be  as 
weak  as  possible ;  but  I  preferred  milk  in  the 
^  Boys'  schools  for  the     assical  side. 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  155 

morning  and  in  the  evening  with  good  wholesome 
food.  This  was  promised  with  the  remark  that 
the  professor  himself  needed  such.  Wilhelm  has 
his  meals  with  the  family,  lives  with  them,  but  has 
his  own  room,  where  he  can  have  a  fire.  The  fur- 
niture consists  of  a  good  bed,  a  looking-glass,  a 
chest  of  drawers,  a  table,  a  sofa,  which  has  the 
advantage  of  being  too  short  to  lie  on  at  full  length, 
and  some  eno-ravinsjs  :  and  a  desk  on  which  he  can 
write  in  an  upright  position  has  been  ordered. 

We  must  see  how  Willielm  will  like  it.  We 
might  still  apply  to  Fräulein  F.  later  on,  if  there 
is  any  sufficient  cause  for  dissatisfaction.  Wilhelm 
has  a  letter  from  Sanitatsrath  H.  to  Dr.  P.,  but  as 
he  had  packed  it  in  his  box  we  could  not  take  it. 
Wilhelm  Avill  go  to  him,  and  if  necessary  ask  his 
advice.  We  then  hastened  back  to  the  station  for 
Wilhelm's  things,  and  not  till  I  had  seen  him  com- 
fortably settled  in  his  new  home,  did  I  return  to 
Frankfort,  where  I  had  still  much  to  do  before  I 
was  able  to  return  to  Berlin  yesterday,  Saturday. 
I  surprised  Marie,  Avho  was  playing  a  rubber  of 
whist  Avith  General  Gliszinski  and  some  ladies. 

I  suppose  Wilhelm  Avill  "\vritc  very  soon,  and  tell 


156  Selections  from  Letters 

us  how  lie  is  getting  on.  '  He  was  quite  well  and 
in  good  spirits,  as  is  natural  at  his  age.  He  looks 
extremely  well ;  he  is  not  only  tall,  but  quite  sturdy. 
I  hope  that  in  a  few  years  he  will  ])e,  with  God's 
help,  a  strong,  healthy  man.  He  will  soon  make 
some  friends  amongst  his  two  hundred  school- 
fellows. This  dull  Sunday,  while  he  is  still  a 
stranger  there  and  alone,  will  perhaps  be  his  worst 
day. 

Now  farewell,  dear  Adolf,  best  love  to  Auguste. 
Don't  be  anxious  needlessly.  Times  are  serious 
enough  for  real  sorrows.  Wilhelm  has  not  given 
me  the  impression  that  he  need  cause  any  great 
anxiety.     Marie  joins  me  in  hearty  love. 

Helmuth. 


Berlin,  Dec.  13tli,  18G3. 
Dear  Wilhelm^ 

I  thank  you  for  your  letter  dated  the  11th 
inst.  I  am  glad  that  you  feel  at  home  in  your 
little  room  and  with  people  who,  though  strangers, 
have  received  you  kindly.  It  is  a  pleasant  sur- 
prise that  the  professor's  daughter  plays  the  piano 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  157 

so  well,  I  suppose  you  will  accompany  her  on  the 
violin.  You  are  sure  soon  to  make  friends  with 
your  school-fellows,  and  it  is  pleasant  for  you  that 
Colonel  Schwarz  is  so  kind  to  you.  Last  Sunday 
week  we  had  a  dull  day  here,  the  sky  was  dark, 
and  it  rained,  and  I  thought  you  would  have  a 
trying  time  and  would  feel  very  lonely  in  your 
little  room,  a  stranger  and  without  friends,  but  we 
are  glad  now  to  hear  that,  instead  of  that,  you  took 
a  romantic  walk  in  the  sunshine  to  the  Burgruine. 
I  hope  that  the  good  climate  and  the  beautiful 
country  will  prove  beneficial  to  your  health,  but 
you  must  be  very  careful  with  yourself.  Dr.  Pesch 
says  that  you  must  not  only  take  long  walks  in 
the  open  air,  but  do  plenty  of  gymnastics,  calis- 
thenics, exercises,  etc.,  both  in  and  out  of  doors  ; 
but  it  must  not  be  such  violent  exertion  as  would 
increase  the  pulsation  of  the  blood,  or  the  palpita- 
tions of  the  heart. 

You  must  avoid  running  up  steep  hills  or  moun- 
tains. There  are  printed  instructions  about  calis- 
thenics to  be  had,  which  you  might  try  to  procure 
for  yourself.  But  the  exercises  are  only  useful  so 
long  as  they  are  done  carefully  and  regularly,  for 


158  Selections  from  Letters 

instance,  during  dressing.  Only  a  short  time  ago 
I  had  occasion  to  notice  what  results  could  bo 
obtained  by  out-of-door  gymnastics,  when  the 
monthly  list  of  the  reserve  men  of  a  company  of 
about  forty  fusileer  guards  was  sent  in  to  me. 
The  regimental  doctor  liad  measured  the  men's 
chests,  and  after  three  months'  exercise  this  was 
repeated ;  it  Av^as  found  that  with  all  these  young 
men,  who  are  still  at  a  growing  age,  the  thoraxes 
had  enlarged  one,  two,  three  inches,  and  with  many 
of  them  four,  five,  and  even  as  much  as  seven. 
Of  course,  you  must  not  neglect  your  studies 
through  attention  to  your  body.  I  hope  that 
without  too  much  exertion  you  will  get  your 
removal  to  Ober-Prima^  at  Easter.  When  you 
have  passed  the  "  Abiturienten  "  examination,  any 
career  will  be  open  to  you,  and  your  choice  must 
then  depend  upon  the  state  of  your  health.  Re- 
main a  good  boy,  and  you  will  see  that  your  cross 
old  uncle  wishes  for  your  true  happiness. 

How  do  you  like  the  food  ?     Do  you  sometimes 
long   for  the  flesh-pots  of  Altena  ?     Tea  can  be 
weakened  ad  infinitum,  but  as  the  asymptote,  how- 
'  Highest  form  in  the  Gymnasium. 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  159 

ever  far  it  is  produced,  never  touches  the  hyperbola, 
it  would  be  a  harmless,  but  hardly  a  tasty  beverage. 
I  hope  that  good  milk  is  to  be  had  at  Wiesbaden. 
It  is  a  pity  that  the  beautiful  music  in  the  Kursaal 
is  so  close  to  the  gambling-tables. 

We  had  good  news  from  Holstein.  Your  papa 
is  well,  but  he  has  much  to  suffer  from  the  political 
difficulties  there.  Next  Sunday  the  Bundes  truppen 
(troops  of  the  allied  powers)  will  enter  the  country, 
and  before  Christmas  a  great  deal  will  be  decided. 
Farewell,  my  old  boy.  With  best  love,  your 
uncle, 

Helmuth. 

Hearty  greetings,  dear  Wilhelm,  from  your  Aunt 
Marie. 

Headquarters  at  Apenrade, 
August  15th,  1864. 
My  dear  Wilhelm, 

Thank  you  for  your  letter  of  the  10th  inst., 
and  for  remembering  me.  I  am  very  glad  indeed 
that  the  state  of  your  health  is  so  satisfactory.  I 
hope  that,  when  you  have  left  off  growing,  you  will 
be  a  strong  and  healthy  boy.    But  do  not  forget  that 


i6o  Selections  from  Letters 

for  years  to  come  you  will  have  to  be  careful,  any 
rashness  just  in  this  period  of  development  might 
do  you  great  and  lasting  harm.  Much  exercise 
■will  be  good  for  you,  but  it  must  not  be  violent. 
We  envy  you  your  hot  sun,  from  which  you  suffer 
at  AYiesbaden.  Here  we  are  dressed  as  if  it  were 
winter,  we  never  go  out  without  a  coat.  During  the 
dog-days  we  had  to  have  fires  several  times.  It  is 
quite  natural  that  you  should  wish  to  see  your  home 
again,  and  in  the  holidays  it  would  not  be  difficult 
to  manage  it.  Your  Father  and  Mother  and  relations 
will  be  very  pleased,  I  am  sure.  I  am  glad  that 
you  manage  your  allowance  so  well  that  you  can 
pay  the  travelling  expenses  yourself.  A  s  I  see  that 
you  are  careful  with  money,  which  is  very  impor- 
tant for  your  future  welfare,  I  should  like  to  give 
you  fifty  florins  for  the  journey,  it  will  give  you 
more  pleasure,  and  be  of  greater  profit  to  your- 
self. You  will  receive  the  money  when  you  are 
at  home. 

When  do  the  holidays  begin?     I  thought  the 
longest  were  during  the  dog-days. 

If  you  have  not  made  this  little  excursion  before, 
I  advise  you  to  go  by  steamer  as  far  as  Cologne. 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  i6i 

In  this  way  you  would  have  the  advantage  of 
seeing  both  banks  of  the  Rhine,  and  with  greater 
leisure,  than  you  could  do  in  the  train.  The 
steamer  is  very  cheap  now  through  competition, 
you  can  get  out  at  any  place  you  like,  and  con- 
tinue your  journey  with  any  steamer ;  you  take 
your  ticket  to  Cologne.  At  Coblentz  (Hotel  zum 
Riesen,  where  you  may  remember  me  to  Mutter 
Schury)  you  may  send  to  the  Governor  and  ask 
for  a  ticket  to  go  up,  but  slowly,  to  Ehrenbreit- 
stein.  You  can  also,  without  special  permission, 
ascend  the  Aster  stein  whence  you  will  have  a 
beautiful  view.  At  Cologne  (Hotel  Prince  Charles) 
there  is,  of  course,  the  Cathedral ;  and  a  little 
steamer,  which  leaves  the  floating  bridge  (west 
side)  every  half  hour,  takes  you  to  the  Zoological 
Garden  with  the  largest  aquarium  in  the  world. 

It  will  be  better,  perhaps,  for  you  to  travel 
back  by  Cassel  (go  up  to  Wilhelmshöhe  with 
care)  and  Schön-Marburg. 

Your  little  enclosure  reminds  me  of  the  day  on 
the  Kapellenberg.  How  I  should  like  you  to  take 
me  about  amongst  the  beautiful  mountains  there ! 
But  it  is  very  pretty  here  too,  and  especially  at 


102  Selections  from  Letters 

.Apenrade,  which  is  surrounded  by  hills  covered 
Avith  beautiful  beeches,  through  whose  dark  green 
I'ich  meadoAvs  and  the  ])lue  sea  are  shining  in  the 
distance.  No  wonder  it  is  so  green  here,  as  it 
I'ains  every  day,  but  if  the  weather  is  fine,  the 
country  looks  beautiful. 

As  you  arc  sure  not  to  be  tempted  to  gamble, 
you  can  enjoy  the  pleasant  things  at  the  Kursaal,  the 
beautiful  music,  the  park  and  the  theatre,  without 
liesitation.  It  is  not  your  fault  that  the  Govern- 
ment of  Nassau  has  not  put  doAvn  the  tables  in 
spite  of  the  declared  Avish  of  the  Confederate 
States  and  the  many  victims. 

I  have  good  ncAvs  from  your  parents.  Your 
father  is  well  in  spite  of  the  bad  Aveather  and  the 
})olitical  troubles.  I  hope  that  matters  will  soon 
be  settled,  and  that  he  will  be  able  to  keep 
the  post  Avhich  has  become  so  dear  to  him. 
Uncle  Fritz  is  still  in  office,  but  he  suffers  much 
under  the  course  Avhich  things  have  taken.  .  .  . 

Now  farewell,  my  old  boy,  be  brave,  remember 
me  to  your  Herr  Professor,  and  think  lovingly  of 
your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  163 

Flensburg,  Nov.  1st,  1864. 

My  dear  Wilhelm, 

First  I  have  to  tell  you  the  sad  news  of  the 
death  of  your  Aunt  Betty.  She  died  after  a  short 
illness  of  three  days  in  the  evening  of  October  27th, 
quietly  and  peacefully  in  the  arms  of  her  husband, 
ivdthout  struggle.  She  had  not  been  able  to  sleep, 
and  her  husband  held  her  for  a  long  time  for  fear 
of  disturbing  her,  before  he  perceived  that  life  was 
extinct. 

Many  thanks  for  your  good  wishes  on  my  birth- 
day. In  answer  to  your  question  concerning' 
making  the  Army  your  profession,  I  must  tell  you 
the  following  :  My  physician,  Dr.  Pesch,  who  is 
also  an  Army  doctor,  tells  me,  that,  if  he  were 
asked,  he  could  not  conscientiously  give  you  a 
health  certificate  such  as  is  required  for  the  Ai'my. 
If,  while  you  are  at  a  growing  age,  you  continue  still 
to  take  care  of  yourself  and  diet  yourself  strictly, 
you  may  become  a  healthy,  strong  man.  But  if  you 
should  attempt  to  undergo  the  exertions  which  the 
military  service  requires,  especially  the  Infantry,  it 
would  probably  bring  very  bad  consequences.  In 
addition,  we  have  just  had  a  campaign  in  which 

M  2 


164  Selections  from  Letters 

you  were  not  able  to  take  part.  H"  wc  continue  to 
have  peace  for  some  time,  which  seems  probable, 
you  must  be  prepared  to  remain  a  lieutenant  for 
about  twelve  or  fifteen  years.  This  is  the  average 
time  for  this  lowest  grade,  but  very  often  it  is 
lonofer.  Durinf]^  the  whole  of  this  time,  and  also 
as  a  second-class  captain,  you  cannot  do  without  a 
monthly  allowance,  Avhich  nobody  can  promise 
you  for  so  long  a  time.  Meanwhile  the  charm  of 
a  soldier's  life  will  vanish,  if  you  have  to  exercise 
recruits  year  after  year  in  a  little  country  town. 
For  those  young  men  who  have  the  capabilities 
and  the  means  of  studying,  and  the  latter  could 
be  jDromised  you  for  a  reasonable  length  of  time, 
other  professions  offer  far  better  prospects  than  the 
]\Iilitary,  especially  in  a  small  country  like  yours. 
If  you  finish  your  studies  soon,  the  universal 
esteem  which  your  father  enjoys  and  his  ^^osition 
there,  will  smooth  your  path. 

If  you  spent  the  first  year  of  your  studies  at  the 
Berlin  University,  I  should  probably  still  be  there. 
Student  life  in  Berlin  is  (j^uieter  and  not  so  rough 
as  in  many  other  places,  and  you  can  really  read 
there.  Later  you  would  have  to  go  to  the 
university  of  your  own  country. 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  165 

After  all  these  considerations  I  cannot  advise  you 
to  join  the  Army. 

If,  in  three  years'  time,  you  are  physically 
strong  and  healthy,  and  if  a  war  is  likely  to  break 
out,  then  Ave  can  consider  the  question  again.  The 
time  spent  on  learning  will  not  be  lost,  and  will  be 
repaid  by  exceptional  promotion,  only  obtainable 
in  our  Army  by  a  thorough  and  general  education. 
Consider  this,  pursue  your  studies  with  diligence, 
take  care  of  your  health,  not  by  coddling  yourself, 
but  by  an  active  and  careful  life,  and  God  will  do 
the  rest.     This  is  my  advice  in  this  matter. 

My  kind  regards  to  your  Herr  Professor.  Re- 
member kindly  your  well-meaning  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


Berlin,  Nov.  28th,  1866. 
My  dear  Wilhelm, 

I  saw  you  gazetted  as  an  Ensign  in  the 
"  Militär  Wochenblatt."  It  is  important  that  you 
should  be  made  an  officer  as  soon  as  possible  now. 
A  series  of  short  special  courses  of  instruction 
will  be  held  for  all  Ensigns,  who  have  joined  the 
Army  since  the  month  of  ^lay,  this  year.     They 


1 66  Selections  from  Letters 

were  intended  to  be  commenced  on  April  1st,  1867, 
but  now  it  has  been  settled  that  they  will  begin  on 
January  1st. 

As  you  have  studied  a  year  at  a  Prussian  Uni- 
versity, it  will  not  be  necessary  for  you  to  join  such 
a  course,  but  you  can  prepare  privately,  and  by 
passing  the  examination  for  an  officer  earlier,  you 
will  gain  time.  But  you  must  have  the  required 
knowledge  and  experience  in  practical  service. 
At  all  events,  even  in  case  you  pass  the  examina- 
tion, you  will  have  to  do  more  practical  service 
before  the  regiment  can  propose  your  nomination 
as  an  officer.  It  is  important  that  before  April  or 
even  January  you  should  have  a  course  of  cavalry 
training,  to  which  you  must  pay  the  greatest  atten- 
tion. If  you  think  then  that  you  can  prepare  your- 
self by  private  studies  for  the  officers'  examination 
in  a  shorter  time  than  the  length  of  the  courses  of 
instruction,  you  shall  be  provided  with  the  neces- 
sary means,  I  enclose  the  Rules  to-day,  that  you 
may  know  what  is  required. 

At  all  events,  it  will  be  a  good  thing  to  begin  to 
prepare  at  once,  no  matter  whether  you  decide  for 
private  study  or  for  the  military  school.    I  suppose 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  167 

you  will  have  an  hour  to  spare  every  day  for  this 
preparation.  Of  course  your  practical  military  duty 
must  be  considered  the  principal  thing.  I  shall 
send  you  the  necessary  instruction  books  and  maps, 
as  it  is  not  likely  you  will  be  able  to  procure  them 
at  Kreutzburg. 

With  your  general  information,  I  think  it  will 
not  take  you  a  very  long  time  to  acquire  the  neces- 
sary military  knowledge.  But  some  private  in- 
struction will  probably  be  necessary,  and  this  you 
will  receive  best  in  Berlin.  I  will  therefore  ask 
your  Regiments-Commandeur  to  give  you  leave  to 
come  here  when  the  course  of  instruction  begins  at 
the  new  Military  School.  The  granting  of  this 
leave  will  depend  upon  your  progress  in  the  j)rac- 
tical  service.  The  length  of  time  which  you  will 
require  for  your  preparation  depends  upon  the 
amount  of  work  you  can  do  during  the  next  few 
months.  In  every  respect  it  is  desirable  to  shorten 
the  time  as  much  as  possible,  and  it  lies  with  you 
and  is  in  your  own  interest  to  do  this. 

It  was  a  great  pleasure  to  me  to  learn  that  your 
Captain  is  satisfied  with  you  in  every  way,  and 
that  only  a  few  difficulties   on   account   of  your 


i6S  Selections  from  Letters 

great  height,  have  to  be  overcome.  I  shall  send 
you  your  allowance  for  the  first  quarter  punctually 
on  January  1st,  but  if  you  are  in  any  difficulties 
on  account  of  the  unusual  expenses  of  last  summer, 
you  must  let  me  know.  .  .  . 

With  best  love  from  Marie, 

Your  Uncle 

Helmuth, 


Berlin,  December  7th,  1866. 

My  dear  Wilhelm, 

.  .  .  Believe  me  that  he  who  does  not  learn 
to  do  with  little  when  young,  will  not  have  enough 
with  much  when  old.  .  .  .  Only  he  is  rich  who 
improves  his  circumstances  ;  ho  whose  income  in- 
creases, but  whose  requirements  do  so  at  the  same 
rate,  will  be  proportionably  poor.  It  is  very 
important  for  you  to  learn  to  be  a  good  manager, 
as  you  will  probably  be  the  chief  support  of  your 
brothers  and  sisters. 

It  is  good  for  you  to  be  much  on  duty,  and  I  am 
glad  that  you^like  it,  too.  .  .  . 

At  your  age,  and   in   every  other  respect,  it  is 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  169 

very  desirable  that  you  should  soon  be  made  an 
officer. 

You  will  receive  the  books  necessary  for  your 
preparation  in  a  few  days.  See  hoAv  much  you 
can  study  without  neglecting  your  duty,  but  re- 
member the  lesson  of  an  old  professor,  who  said, 
"  Only  with  a  pen  in  hand  can  one  study  to  advan- 
tage." 

When  you  think  that  you  are  far  enough  ad- 
vanced in  your  private  preparation,  you  must  let 
me  know,  so  that  after  a  short  course  at  Berlin,  you 
may  send  in  your  name  for  the  examination.  I 
am  inclined  to  think  that  you  might  try  for  the 
examination  which  takes  place  on  April  1st. 
Thus  you  can  continue  your  duty  all  through 
January,  which  is  of  great  importance,  especially 
your  riding. 

It  requires  a  good  deal  of  practice  to  learn  all 
that  really  makes  a  good  rider.  One  soon  gets 
accustomed  to  one's  own  horse  ;  it  is  better  to  try 
different  horses.  Your  browny  has  had  heavy 
rations,  and  if  she  is  not  used  too  much  at  present, 
she  will  soon  be  round  and  fat  again,  and  smooth 
when  spring  comes,  if  you  spare  her  a  little  when 


170  Selections  from  Letters 

she  chano-es  her  coat  and  irive  her  a  few  linseed 
cakes.  I  did  not  object  to  lier  action,  much  de- 
pends on  yonr  seat.  It  is  true  that  her  trot  is 
rather  jolting,  but  she  is  easily  handled. 

As  soon  as  your  father  can  find  a  substitute,  he 
will  go  to  Algiers  and  stay  there  for  five  months, 
or  he  may  remain  the  latter  part  of  the  time  in 
Southern  Switzerland.  Your  mother  will  not  be 
able  to  accompany  him,  as  she  wishes  to  remain 
with  the  children,  but  Uncle  Fritz  will  go  instead 
of  her.  He  has  retired  as,  no  doubt,  you  already 
know,  and  receives  a  good  pension,  and  the  third 
Class  of  the  Kronen  Order  has  been  conferred  upon 
him. 

Aunt  Marie  sends  her  love.     Your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


Berlin,  Dec.  23rd,  18GG. 
My  dear  Wilhelm, 

If,  in  future,  anybody  should  offer  to  pay 
your  bills — which,  however,  is  not  likely  to  happen 
often — I  should  advise  you  not  to  let  him  wait  a 
fortnight  for  an  answer.  ...  It  would   be  more 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  171 

polite  and  also  more  prudent  to  accept  at  once. 
Though  I  am  not  "  Tetenreiter "  of  the  second 
division,  I  have  a  good  deal  of  business  on  hand, 
and  no  time  left  for  unnecessary  letters,  but  I  can 
always  find  a  quarter  of  an  hour  for  a  necessary 
communication. 

I  see  from  your  letter,  dated  Friday,  20th 
(meant  to  be  the  21st),  that  you  have  had  some 
extra  expenses  this  year  caused  by  special  circum- 
stances. Besides  that,  you  lent  money  when  it  was 
not  quite  necessary.  Polonius  warns  his  son  against 
being  a  lender,  because  by  lending  one  often  loses 
a  friend.  The  right  thing  would  have  been  to 
have  said  at  once  that  your  circumstances  would 
not  allow  you  to  help  others  with  money ;  only  he 
is  allowed  to  be  generous  who  can  be  so  at  his 
own  expense.  As  young  lieutenants  are  not  very 
much  in  the  habit  of  paying  back  money  they 
have  borrowed,  for  the  simple  reason  that  they 
have  not  got  it,  both  items  make  the  sum  you 
name.  .  .  . 

He  who  spends  a  shilling  more  than  he  possesses 
is  always  a  poor  man,  no  matter  if  he  has  an  allow- 
ance of  400  or  4000  thalcrs. 


172  Selections  from  Letters 

You  say  nothing  in  your  letter  «ibout  wlien  you 
think  you  avUI  be  well  enough  prepared,  after 
having  received  the  certificate  in  practical  service, 
to  begin  your  private  tuition  here  in  Berlin  ;  and 
to  send  in  your  name  for  the  examination  of  officers. 
It  will  be  for  you  to  decide,  but  it  is  also  to  your 
OAvn  interest  not  to  delay  the  matter,  for  after  the 
course  in  the  Military  School  is  finished,  hundreds 
of  officers  will  join  again,  who  would  be  your 
seniors  in  the  Army.  .  .  . 

Marie  sends  her  best  love,  and  wishes  you  a 
happy  New  Year,  in  which  joins.  Your  Uncle 

Helmutii. 


Creisau,  June  20th,  1878. 
Dear  Wilhelm, 

It  would  be  a  pity  if  Ella  and  you  could 
not  be  here  tosjether  for  some  time  durino;  the 
summer.  It  is  lovely  now.  The  two  acacias 
in  front  of  the  house  are  covered  with  blossom., 
and  the  roses  too  are  in  full  bloom.  There  are 
strawberries  in  abundance,  and  we  have  young 
green   peas.     The    new   road   where   you    and    I 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  173 

walked  through  the  thick  brushwood  in  the 
"  Langer  Busch,"  has  been  still  further  improved 
during  the  last  fortnight  by  nine  workmen,  who 
have  cut  it  five  feet  deeper  in  some  places,  and 
have  filled  in  the  holes  with  soil ;  so  that  one  can 
now  drive  up  at  a  trot.  I  am  thinking  of  making 
a  better  connection  to  the  upper  entrance  from 
the  elm-trees,  but  in  order  to  do  so  I  shall  first 
have  to  buy  a  piece  of  land. 

I  suppose  you  will  be  able  to  obtain  a  short 
leave,  as  matters  are  quieting  down  again  in 
Berlin.  Fritz  will,  very  likely,  also  spend  his 
summer  holidays  here ;  and  you  will  both  be 
welcome.  .  .  . 

Under  present  circumstances,  as  it  is  of  great 
consequence  to  pass  the  important  laws  concern- 
ing social  democracy  and  reform  of  customs 
(monopoly  of  tobacco,  etc.),  I  cannot  refuse  the 
ofibr,  which  I  have  received,  to  stand  for  two 
particularly  troublesome  seats,  at  Heydekrug  and 
Teltow-Storkow.  My  only  hope  is  that  I  may  be 
defeated  in  both  places.  .  .  . 

I  wonder  if  the  two  Conservative  parties,  or 
rather  the  slight  divisions,  will  be  prudent  enough 


174  Selections  from  Letters 

not  to  work  against  each  other ;  if  they  do   so, 

special  connnittee  meetings  are  of  no  use. 

With  hearty  love, 

Your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


Creisau,  August  14th,  1878. 
Dear  Wilhelm, 

I  have  a  great  wish  to  read  the  life  of 
Jesus,  by  Strauss,  but  I  have  also  a  kind  of  fear 
which  has  detained  me  from  it  up  to  now.  I  have 
not  much  time  for  reading,  except  the  wretched 
newspapers.  I  have  all  kinds  of  work  to  do,  and 
I  spend  much  time  out-of-doors.  In  the  country 
there  are  always  all  kinds  of  occupations,  and  it 
is   so  beautiful  here,  wherever   one    turns.     The 


carriage  has  been  ordered.     Farewell. 


Helmuth. 


Gastein,  August  18th,  1882. 
Dear  Wilhelm, 

We  must  send  some  news  to  your  hermi- 
tage, from  the  clouds  in  Avhich  we  live.     When 


To  Wilhelm  von   Moltke.  175 

you  have  a  clouded  sky  in  the  valley,  it  is  raining 
up  here,  or  snowing  on  the  summits  of  the 
mountains.  "We  have  several  times  been  obliged 
to  have  a  fire  in  our  rooms.  To-day,  on  the  birth- 
day of  his  Apostolic  Majesty,  all  is  wrapt  in  fog 
and  rain  clouds,  but  we  shall  soon  be  consoled 
by  High  Mass  and  the  Te  Deum  at  which  we 
have  to  appear  in  full  uniform.  In  spite  of  the  bad 
weather,  there  has  not  been  a  single  day  without 
some  hours  in  which  we  could  enjoy  this  beautiful 
country.  There  is  one  splendid  path  which  leads 
along  the  hills  up  to  beautiful  water-falls.  With 
my  so-called  asthma,  really  heart  disease,  I  have 
to  be  satisfied  with  looking  down  into  the  wide 
valley,  while  Helmuth  climbs  up  to  the  tops  of 
the  mountains,  and  the  high  plains.  I  intend  to 
leave  the  day  after  to-morrow ;  I  shall  then  have  had 
eighteen  baths  ;  I  am  glad  of  it,  for  after  all,  this 
place,  like  most  watering-places,  is  a  beautiful, 
but  most  tedious  prison,  to  which  one  has  been 
condemned  for  three  weeks.  I  shall  travel  for  a 
week  in  Switzerland,  first  to  Salzburg,  Berchtes- 
gaden,  Königssee,  etc.  ;  but  it  depends  upon  the 
weather,  for  if  it  continues  raining  like  this,  there  is 


176  Selections  from  Letters 

no  pleasure.  If  one  could  only  know  beforehand  ! 
hut  the  weather  cannot  even  be  foretold  by 
Klinkerfues'  clever  arts.   .  .   . 

The  bell  is  ringing.     Farewell.       Your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


San  Rcrno,  March  28th,  1885. 
Dear  Wilhelm, 

I  send  you  a  hearty  greeting  from  this 
neighboui'hood  which  you  know  well.  Living  is 
not  cheap  here,  but  everything  is  good.  Con- 
trary to  all  expectations,  and  in  spite  of  the  much 
praised  climate,  it  is  very  cold  here  ;  out-of-doors 
and  walking  it  is  beautiful  and  sunny,  but  in  the 
rooms  a  temperature  of  twelve  degrees  R.  is  very 
uncomfortable.  We  take  long  walks  in  the  morn- 
ings and  afternoons.  Very  cleverly  planned  high- 
roads wind  far  up  the  mountains ;  but  I  have  left 
Helmuth  to  climb  up  your  Madonna  della  "  Garde 
du  corps,"  by  himself;  I  move  about  more  on 
level  ground,  between  the  country-houses  and  the 
palaces  of  hotels,  on  the  Co)-so  di  leuante  and 
ponente.     Vegetation  is  still  backward ;   the  pear 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  177 

and  cherry-trces  are  in  blossom,  but  there  are  not 
many  of  them.  Roses,  which  grow  here  in  great 
numbers,  are  just  ready  to  burst,  and  there  is  a 
great  abundance  of  mignonette,  violets,  wall- 
flower and  heliotrope.  But  the  grey  tints  of  the 
olive  and  evergreen-oak  are  not  to  be  compared 
with  the  fresh  green  of  a  meadow  in  Germany,  or 
the  first  foliage  of  a  forest  of  beeches. 

The  sea  is  always  beautifal,  whether  it  beats 
against  the  Molo  or  splashes  quietly  on  the 
beautiful  Qiiai  della  Imperatrice.  Yesterday 
we  drove  to  Ospedaletti,  near  Cape  Nero ;  the  big 
hotel  and  the  palace-like  casino,  which  we  saw 
being  built  two  years  ago,  are  now  completed  ; 
the  latter  evidently  in  the  hope  of  opening  gam- 
bling tables  like  those  at  Monte  Carlo.  There  was 
nobody  to  be  seen  there  beside  loitering  porters 
and  waiters.  The  whole  establishment  gives  one  the 
impression  of  a  complete  swindle  and  failure.  The 
Italian  papers  say  that  I  am  at  Nice,  and  that  the 
police  are  looking  out  for  me  there.  Next  week 
I  think  of  going  to  Bordighera  and  to  Monaco, 
by  La  Turbia.  And  now,  with  best  love  to  Ella 
and  the  children,  your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 

N 


17S  Selections  from  Letters 

Berlin,  March  28th,  1887. 

Dear  Wilhelm, 

Tlio  critical  month  of  April  has  come, 
-without  M.  Boulanger  having  begun  his  march 
to  Berlin  ;  perhaps  the  weather  is  too  bad,  and 
possibly  I  may  pass  another  summer  at 
Creisau.  .  .  . 

The  exertion  on  his  birthday  has  been  too  much 
lor  the  Emperor  after  all.  Ninety-five  relations 
were  invited  to  the  family  dinner.  Neither  the 
Generals  nor  the  Court  were  received  this  time 
for  their  congratulations,  only  Bismarck  and  I 
were  summoned.  I  received  a  ^particularly 
gracious  letter,  and  the  only  order  that  had  not 
already  been  conferred  on  me,  the  Grand  Cross  of 
the  Hohenzollem  set  in  diamonds.  .  .  . 

If  peace  continues,  I  hope   that  we  shall  meet 

at  Creisau.    Your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 

Berlin,  March  26th,  1888. 
Dear  Wilhelm, 

AU  newspapers  have  had  such  detailed 
reports  about  the  death  of  the  Emperor  William, 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  179 

that  I  have  nothins;  more  to  add.  The  new 
Master  of  the  country  does  not  show  any  external 
signs  of  his  severe  illness.  He  has  not  yet  shown 
himself  in  public,  and  as  long  as  we  have  this 
disagreeable  cold  weather,  he  will  not  be  allowed 
to  leave  the  warmed  rooms.  Hoav  long  will  he  be 
able  to  bear  the  burden  of  business  that  must 
come  on  all  sides  !   .  .  . 

I  hope  you  are  all  well.  Has  Muthi  been 
removed,  or  have  his  masters  called  da  cajjo  at  his 
examination  ? 

I  do  not  yet  know  if  M.  Boulanger  will  allow 
me  to  spend  another  summer  at  Creisau.  .  .  . 

With  best  love.     Uncle 

Helmuth. 


Berlin,  January  4th,  1890. 
Dear  Wilhelm, 

I  see,  from  a  kind  letter  of  Ella's,  that 
your  family  will  meet  again  at  Breslau  on  the  5th 
inst ;  but  that  Muthi  will  have  to  return  very 
soon  to  Rossleben,  and  Leno  to  Leipsic.  I  wrote 
to  her  immediately  after  Christmas,  and  sent  her 

N  2 


i8o  Selections  from  Letters 

a  parcel  to  Breslau,  with  a  shawl  and  a  pair  of  fur 
gloves.  She  is  my  best  correspondent,  and  has 
sent  me  a  silk  handkerchief  bought  with  her  small 
pocket-money ;  it  is  the  finest  I  have.  Muthi  tells 
me  that  his  report  is  not  as  good  as  he  hoped,  but 
I  see  an  improvement  in  the  writing  and  the  style 
of  his  epistles.  .  .  . 

I  thank  Jochen  and  Margarete  for  their  poetical 
effusions.  Jochen  Peter,  SchAverenother — und 
Margrete  schreib  ich  spöter 

The  Emperor  has  given  me  a  beautiful  golden 
box  for  Christmas.  Henry  has  been  here  ;  and  we 
had  much  music.  But  enough  no^v  ;  bestlove  from 
all  of  us.     Your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 

Berlin,  January  11th,  1890. 
Dear  Wilhelm, 

.  .  .  From  personal  experience  I  cannot 
recommend  Muthi's  remaining  longer  at  a  "  pen- 
sion." I,  myself,  got  into  a  great  deal  of  mischief 
when  I  was  with  my  pastors.  A  boy,  brought  up 
in  that  way,  learns  many  things  unnecessary  for  his 
scientific  education,  and  other  things  he  is  expected 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  i8i 

to  know  are  neglected.  If,  later  on,  he  joins  a 
gymnasium,^  he  is  often  placed  tAvo  or  three  forms 
lower  than  was  expected.  But  I  should  think 
that  Muthi  has  character  enough  not  to  be  easily- 
tempted  to  be  mischievous,  though  he  would  meet 
with  temptations  of  that  kind  in  every  school. 
Every  boy  must  find  the  right  way  for  himself, 
later  on  in  life  they  will  see  much  more  evil.  I 
think  it  would  be  much  better  to  keep  him  at  home 
and  to  send  him  to  the  gymnasium  at  Breslau, 
than  to  leave  him  "with  other  people,  Leno  is 
sure  to  give  you  nothing  but  pleasure.   .  .  . 

We  have  just  followed  the  good  old  Empress  to 
the  grave  from  the  Schlosskapelle  to  the  Friedens- 
allee ;  you  will  see  the  reports  about  it  in  the 
papers.     Our  united  love  to  Ella.     Your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 

Berlin,  March  Tth,  1890. 
Dear  Wilhelm, 

I   herewith    return    the   letter   of  Master 

Herr  Jenrich.     It  will  be  a  severe  but   salutary 

punishment  for  the  naughty  boy  not  to  be  allowed 

^  Boys'  schools  for  the  classical  side. 


iS2  Selections  from  Letters 

to  come  home  for  the  holidays.  I  hope  the  measure 
AN'ill  be  successful.  He  is  not  wanting  in  capabili- 
ties and  cleverness,  the  latter  quality  he  shows 
especially  in  his  mischief.  But  he  is  a  good, 
straightforward  boy,  and  I  hope  we  shall  see  him 
again  in  the  summer  holidays. 

Leno,  my  diligent  correspondent,  tells  me  that 
Ella  will  pay  her  a  visit  at  Leipsic  with  little 
Monica ;  it  will  comfort  her  for  not  being  able  to 
go  home.  It  will  not  be  easy  to  find  a  horse  for 
Ludwig's  weight ;  you  Avill  perhaps  have  to  look 
for  it  in  the  Zoological  Gardens.  .  .  . 

We  are  all  well  here.     Yesterday  all  the  children 

Avent  to  the  Bellevue   garden  to  look  for  Easter 

eggs.     The  Emperor  was  very  active  in  hiding  a 

quantity  of  them  in  the  bushes,  and  the  Empress 

played  at  "  cat  and  mouse  "  with  the  little  party, 

who  partook  of  chocolate   afterwards   and   came 

home  laden  with  eggs,  sweets  and  flowers.     The 

family  life  at  Court  is  charming ;  may  God 
preserve  it  so ! 

The  Reichstag  will  not  meet  before  May.    As  I  am 

Senior  President  I  have  to  open  it,  and  I  am  curious 

to  see  what  they  will  say  to  the  new  and  consider- 


To  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.  183 

able  military  demands.  Very  likely  the  Conserva- 
tive party  will  give  up  the  presidency  and  leave  it  to 
the  Centre  ^  to  settle  the  Social  Democrats,  for  they 
introduced  them  into  the  House.  They  will  now 
have  to  fulfil  their  promises :  Reduction  of  all  high 
prices,  the  abolition  of  all  customs,  partial  dis- 
armament, etc.  Their  eyes  will  not  be  opened  till 
the  nation  has  experienced  severe  shocks.  The 
preludes  have  already  begun  at  Köpenick  and  by 
the  boycotting  at  Blumberg.  It  seems  incredible 
that  in  Berlin,  a  city  of  more  than  a  million  in- 
habitants, Avho  have  much  to  lose,  only  Democrats 
have  been  elected,  and  at  Dantzic,  Königsberg 
and  Breslau  the  same  thing  has  occurred  ! 
We  all  send  our  love.     Your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


Berlin,  March  26th,  1891. 
Dear  Wilhelm, 

You  are  right  in  leaving  Muthi  at  school  at 
Rosslebcn.  Though  the  course  of  instruction  at 
the  school  for  cadets  permits  the  entering  on  any 

'  Koman  Catholics. 


1 84  Selections  from  Letters,  Etc. 

career,  when  once  the  boys  are  there,  they  almost 
all  become  officers.  I  believe,  however,  without 
^v'ishing  it,  that  Muthi  will  also  leave  Rossleben, 
to  enter  that  career.  I  should  be  glad  if  he  took 
an  interest  in  agriculture.  In  that  case  he  would 
have  to  go  throuo:h  a  course  in  the  Ao^ricul- 
tural  Academy  here.  We  will  make  up  for  the 
clothes  he  has  grown  out  of,  when  he  comes  to 
Creisau  during  the  summer  holidays.  When  you 
see  him,  give  him  my  thanks  for  his  letter  from 
Bankau ;  I  hope,  that  after  he  has  been  moved  to 
"  Tercia "  as  he  spells  it,  he  will  also  get  to 
"Tertia."  .  .  . 

You  may  well  ask  if  spring  will  ever  come  this 
year.  We,  too,  have  a  continual  change  of  rain, 
snow,  dirt  and  wind.  And  I  am  to  go  with  His 
Majesty,  on  April  1st,  to  join  the  "  Carola  "  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Fakkebjerg  (Langeland).  Oh, 
the  sea-sickness  we  must  expect  after  the  rich 
banquet  given  by  the  senate  of  Lübeck  ! 

Farewell ;  all  of  us  send  our  love.     Your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


Selections  from  Letters  to  the  Children 
of  his  Nephew,  Wilhelm  von  Moltke. 

Creisau,  Oct.  27th,  1876. 
Deak  Lenore, 

I  have  duly  received  your  letter  of  the 
25th  inst.  Give  your  papa  and  mamma  my  thanks 
for  their  kind  wishes  ;  I  shall  tell  them  in  a  few 
days  all  that  your  "long"  uncles  are  too  lazy  to 
write.  Give  my  love  to  Joachim,  when  he  arrives 
at  last,  after  having  unfairly  missed  your  birthday 
as  well  as  mine.^ 

I  shall  keep  your  autograph,  and  hope  that  it 
may  be  shown  to  you  again  on  your  seventy-seventh 
birthday.     Your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 

^  This  son  was  born  on  Oct.  30th,  and  was  to  be  called 
Joachim,  according  to  the  Field- Marshal's  wish,  but  after  all 
he  was  christened  Helmuth,  after  his  uncle,  A  younger 
brother  was  afterwards  called  Joachim. 


i86  Selections  from  Letters 

Written  in  the  year  1883. 

My  dear  boy  (Mutlii), 

You  have  written  me  such  a  beautiful  letter 
that  you  shall  have  one  too  from  me. 

If  you  come  to  Creisau  next  summer  and  your 
old  Opapa  is  still  alive,  I  shall  give  you  another 
Persian  arrow  ^  for  your  bow. 

Your  parents,  sisters,  and  brothers  will  soon 
return  now  to  Charlottenburg,  and  then  it  will  not 
be  so  lonely  for  you.  And  in  the  winter  I  shall 
often  come  to  see  you  again.  Christmas  will  soon 
be  here,  and  who  knows  what  Father  Christmas 
will  bring  ?  Be  punctual  and  diligent  at  school, 
and  remember  your 

Opapa. 


Creisau,  in  the  autumn,  1888. 
Dear  Lenore, 

I  thank  you  for  your  kind  letter.  I  am 
glad  that  your  foot  is  well  again.  ...  I  was  quite 
surprised   to   see   hoAv   pretty   the   country  near 

'  llie  first,  which  tlie  Field-Marshal  had  brought  from  his' 
campaign  in  Asia  Minor,  had  been  shot  away. 


To  Children  of  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.    187 

Leipsic  is,  the  Rosenau  and  from  there  along  the 
Pleisse  is  lovely.  Are  you  "  Backfische  "  (bread- 
and-butter  misses)  allowed  to  walk  there  some- 
times ? 

I  suppose  your  father  is  still  at  the  manoeuvres 
and  will  not  see  your  new  home  till  his  return.  I 
hear  it  is  very  roomy  and  pretty,  but  is  situated 
extremely  high. 

Uncle  Helmuth  has  gone  to  Bankau  to  shoot  a 
stag,;  if  one  will  be  so  kind  as  to  show  himself. 

We  have  been  flooded  four  times  this  year ; 
much  damage  was  done  in  the  park,  but  when  you 
come  again,  everything  shall  be  in  order. 

Farewell,  and  remember  your 

Opapa. 


Creisau,  October  29th,  1889. 
,My  dear  Helmuth, 

I  send  you  five  marks,  for  this  time,  so 
that  you  may  have  your  watch  repaired.  I 
suppose  there  is  a  watchmaker  at  Rossleben^ 
if,,?iotj  take  it  with  you  at  Christmas  to  Breslau. 
But    another   time   you   ought    to  manage  your 


1 88  Selections  from  Letters 

pocket-money  better,  and  if  you  have  no  money, 
you  must  not  spoil  your  watch  by  over-winding 
it. 

I  thank  you  for  your  good  wishes  for  my  birth- 
day. Your  papa  has  just  left  here.  All  your 
uncles  were  here  for  the  great  shooting  party, 
when  we  killed  175  hares,  20  pheasants,  5  roe-deer 
and  1  owl. 

Adieu ;   your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


Berlin,  December  24th,  1889. 
Dear  Leno, 

Many  thanks  for  your  nice  letter  and  the 
beautiful  handkerchief. 

Herewith  I  send  you  something  to  keep  you 
warm  when  skating.  I  promise  you  ice  and  snow 
in  abundance. 

Shall  you  have  to  return  to  Leipzic  ?  I  thought 
the  boarding  school  had  finished  you. 

Much  love  from  all  of  us  ;  especially  from  your 
old  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


To  Children  of  Wilhelm  von  Moltke.     189 

Creisau,  October  22nd,  1890. 

My  dear  Helmuth, 

I  have  sent  you  the  twenty  marks  that  you 
may  learn  in  time  how  to  manage  money.^  If  you 
invested  the  whole  amount  in  the  savings  bank, 
you  would  be  a  miser ;  if  you  spent  it  in  a  short 
time,  you  v/ould  be  a  spendthrift ;  it  is  best  to 
choose  a  golden  medium. 

If  money  is  given  to  you  as  a  present — later  on 
you  will  have  to  gain  it  yourself — you  are  justified 
in  allowing  yourself  some  pleasures,  but  it  is  also 
prudent  to  save  for  the  future. 

As  you  manage  these  twenty  marks,  you  will 
have  to  manage  larger  sums  later  on.  He  who 
spends  all  he  has,  will  never  get  on,  he  who  spends 
more,  will  become  a  beggar  or  a  swindler. 

I  am  afraid  you  will  not  be  able  to  come  to 
Berlin  as  you  would  have  to  miss  your  lessons,  or 
you  would  be  very  welcome.  The  more  diligently 
you  learn,  the  sooner  you  will  have  done  with  the 
constraint  of  school  life. 

With  hearty  love  from  us  all,  your  Opapa, 

Count  Moltke. 

'  The  great-nepliew  had  nsked  his  advice  as  to  the  best  way 
of  spending  tlic  twenty  marks. 


190         Selections  from  Letters,  Etc. 

Berlin,  December  26th,  1890. 
Dear  Leno, 

I  thank  you  for  your  nice  letter,  and  wish 

you  a  happy  New  Year  too. 

I  should  much  like  to  come  to  your  confirmation, 
but  at  my  age  one  cannot  make  plans  a  long  time 
in  advance.  I  suppose  as  "  Queen  in  the  sleeping 
beauty,"  you  will  be  a  head  taller  than  all  your 
subjects,  like  King  Saul  who  was  a  head  taller  than 
any  of  the  nation.   - 

I  hope  the  "  Yule-clapp "  brought  you  some- 
thing pretty  the  day  before  yesterday. 

As  your  grandparents  are  going  to  spend  the 

summer  at  Dresden,  it  will  be  easy  for  you  to  see 

them ;   but   in   the   summer  you   must   come   to 

Creisau  to  your  Opapa, 

Count  Moltke. 

In  Lenore's  album,  first  page : 
May  all  the  pages  in  this   book  be  filled  with 
pleasant  remembrances. 
Berlin,  January  7th,  1891. 

Count  Moltke. 
Opapa. 


Selections  from  Letters  to  Frau  Marie 
von  Kulmiz  nee  Von  Moltke,  Sister 
of  Wilhelm  von  Moltke. 

Berlin,  December  25th,  1883. 

Dear  Marie, 

What  clever  animals  foxes  are !  They 
always  look  for  the  place  where  I  stand  when  they 
are  hunted,  because  they  know  that  this  is  the 
easiest  way  of  escape  ;  only  the  one  which  is  lying 
at  my  feet  has  been  specially  unlucky.  A  bad 
shot  is  all  the  more  pleased  if  he  succeeds  for  once, 
and  therefore  I  look  with  just  pride  upon  your 
pretty  and  thoughtful  present,^  and  thank  you 
very  much,  that  you  have  so  kindly  thought  of 
me.  ... 

With  best  wishes  and  much  love  to  all  your 
people,  your  Uncle 

Helmute. 

1  The  stuffed  fox. 


192  Selections  from  Letters 

Berlin,  December  2Gth,  1884. 

Many  thanks,  clear  Marie,  for  having  thought 
of  all  of  us  so  kindly  at  Christmas.  Your  gifts 
were  adorning  everybody's  table.  I  will  leave  it  to 
Eliza  to  give  you  details  of  all  presents.  I  am 
very  much  pleased  with  the  charming  and  very 
successful  photograph  of  the  three  little  "  Druvti- 
pfel."  ^  The  baby  looks  greatly  excited  at  what 
is  going  to  take  place,  Anne  Marie's  expression 
is  that  of  careful  observation,  but  Margarethe 
looks  above  their  heads  quite  full  of  understanding. 
The  clever  weapon  against  the  flies  answers  a  great 
need,  but  it  wiU  have  to  be  used  carefully,  or  every 
fly  might  cost  a  window-pane.  But  it  is  excellent 
for  clapping  on  the  table.  .  .  . 

Muthi  admired  his  bicycle  so  much,  that  he 
forgot  all  his  other  gifts.  After  having  tumbled 
off  several  times,  he  succeeded,  after  a  little  prac- 
tice, in  riding  round  the  table.  The  number  of 
presents  rather  disturbs  the  enjoyment  of  the 
children  ;  and  the  quality  does  not  come  into  con- 
sideration.    Their   special    delight    amongst    the 

'  A  kind  of  little  apples,  term  applied  to  rosy-clieeked 
children. 


To  Frau  Marie  von  Kulmiz.  193 

many  costly  things  they  had,  was  a  wheelbarrow 
which  had  cost  sixpence. 

I  received  a  fine  majolica  from  the  Emperor, 
with  Frederick  the  Great's  portrait  by  Camphausen ; 
I  am  sending  it  to  Creisau. 

With  much  love  to  Kulmiz  and  best  wishes  for 
the  coming  New  Year,  your  Uncle 

Helmuth. 


II. 

Letters   to   his    Friends. 


0  2 


To   His    Royal    Highness    the    Crown 
Prince  Albert  of  Saxony. 

Berlin,  May  27tli,  1871. 
I  EECEiVED  Your  Royal  Highness'  gracious  letter 
of  the  22nd  inst.,  last  night,  and  I  have  informed 
His  Majesty  the  Emperor  to-day  at  an  audience,  of 
the  different  points  of  its  contents. 

It  is  His  Majesty's  intention  to  invite  Your 
Royal  Highness  to  the  festivities  connected  with 
the  entrance  of  the  troops  here,  and  before  June 
16  th  to  give  orders  as  to  the  command  of  the 
troops  which  are  to  remain  in  France. 

In  a  few  days  the  Chief  Command  of  the  First 
Army  will  be  dissolved  ;  the  first  and  eighth  Army- 
Corps  will  be  placed  under  Your  Royal  Highness' 
command,  to  cover  the  departure  of  the  Garde  du 
corps  from  Paris.  The  removal  of  these  corps 
would  not  mean  a  concentration,  but  they  would 


1 98         Selections  from  Letters,  Etc. 

be  in  cantonnements  in  the  direction  of  the  return 
march.  Rouen  and  Aniiens  must,  however,  remain 
occupied,  till  the  French  Government  is  able  to 
keep  a  garrison  in  these  cities. 

From  yesterday's  telegrams  Your  Royal  High- 
ness will  have  learnt  that  at  least  one  of  the  Royal 
Saxon  divisions  will  immediately  follow  the  first 
echelon  of  the  returning  army.  Likewise  the  2nd 
Royal  Bavarian  corps  by  special  agreement 
an-anged  by  the  Royal  Bavarian  Ministry  of 
War. 

Some  of  the  contingents,  not  the  Prussian,  go 
home  entirely,  and  the  greater  portion  of  the 
others,  while  two-thirds  of  the  Prussian  corps  will 
remain  in  France. 

Will  Your  Royal  Highness  allow  me  to  commend 
myself  to  Your  gracious  benevolence  ?  With  pro- 
found respect,  I  remain, 

Your  Royal  Highness'  devoted  servant, 
Count  Moltke, 
General  of  the  Infantry. 


Letters  exchanged  between  his  Friends 
and  himself  while  in  the  East. 


The  following  letters  have  been  kindly  placed  at  our  disposal 
by  the  daughter  of  Major-General  Fischer,  wife  of  the  Wirk- 
liche Geheime  Kriegsrat  Köllner.  To  letters  written  to 
Moltke  others  have  been  added  which  were  likewise  found  in 
the  posthumous  papers  of  General  Fischer,  such  as  those  written 
by  the  Freiherr  von  Vincke  to  his  friend  Fischer,  referring  to 
Moltke's  stay  in  Turkey,  as  well  as  valuable  details  about  this 
period,  so  important  in  the  Field-Marshal's  life. 

The  following  will  serve  as  further  explanation : — Fischer, 
when  seventeen  years  old,  took  part  in  the  campaign  of  1815 
as  a  volunteer  in  the  rifle  corps  and  afterwards  remained  in  the 
Army.  He  was  an  officer  of  the  Engineers ;  in  1834  he  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  General  Staff  as  captain,  and  was  in  1837,  with 
Captain  Freiherr  von  Vincke  (Olbendorf)  of  the  General  Staff,  and 
Captain  von  Mühlbach  of  the  Engineers,  sent  to  Constantinople 
for  the  organization  and  training  of  the  Turkish  Army.  They 
arrived  there  on  October  28th^  and  joined  Moltke,  who  had  been 
there  for  more  than  a  year.  Freiherr  von  Vincke,  as  senior 
officer,  took  the  principal  command,  and  the  four  Prussian  officers 
began  their  arduous  task,  often  hindered  in  a  really  incredible 
manner,  through  want  of  judgment,  laziness  and  mistrust,  with 
such  zeal  and  technical  knowledge,  that  their  work  there  is  still 
highly  thought   of,  and  gives  yaluable  testimony  to   the  in- 


200     Selections  from  Letters 

tellectual  military  education  of  the  Prussian  ofiScers  of  the 
General  Staff  at  that  time.  At  first  they  worked  together  at 
Constantinople.  In  the  beginning  of  April,  1838,  Fischer  was 
ordered  by  the  Sultan  to  Asia  Minor  to  Mushir  Hadji  Ali, 
Pasha  of  Koniah,  to  lend  his  help  in  organizing  the  troops,  and 
especially  in  improving  the  fortifications  of  the  Taurus  passes. 
The  numerous  journeys  which  he  undertook  for  these  purposes 
in  southern  and  south-eastern  Asia  Minor  were  useful  for  his 
geographical  researches  and  the  surveys  of  these  countries. 
The  map  of  Asia  Minor  and  Turkish  Armenia,  published  later 
by  Moltke,  Vincke,  Kiepert,  and  himself,  shows  his  knowledge, 
and  the  trouble  which  he  took  with  this  work,  of  such  import- 
ance to  science.  However,  Fischer's  health  soon  broke  down 
in  the  unfavourable  climate,  and  he  was  obliged  to  return  to 
Constantinople  in  January,  1839,  but  getting  no  better  there, 
in  spite  of  the  greatest  care  of  Frau  von  Vincke,  he  returned  in 
May  of  the  same  year  to  his  fatherland.  He  was  appointed 
officer  of  the  General  Staff",  and  instructor  at  the  War 
School ;  and  in  1847  he  was  made  Chief  of  the  General  Staff 
of  the  Vllth  Army  Corps  ;  1848,  Director  of  the  General  War 
Department  in  the  Ministry  of  War  ;  and  in  February,  184^, 
ho  was  attached  as  Military  Attendant  to  Prince  Frederick 
William,  later  His  Majesty  Emperor  Frederick,  When  the 
Prince  had  finished  his  studies  at  the  University,  Fischer  was, 
in  1852,  nominated  "Inspecteur  of  the  third  Engineer  Inspec- 
tion" at  Coblentz,  where  ho  died  in  1857. 

Some  weeks  before  Fischer's  journey  from  Constantinople  to 
Koniah,  Moltke  and  Mühlbach  had  been  sent  Avith  similar 
commissions  to  Hafiz  Pasha,  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 
Turkish  Army  of  the  Taurus,  whose  headquarters  were  then  at 
Messre,  near  Charput  in  Kurdistan.  They  took  part  in  all  the 
movements  of  this  army,  as  Moltke  has  described  them  in  his 
"  Briefe  über  Zustände  und  Begebenheiten  in  der  Türkey  "  up 
to  the  unfortunate  battle  of  Nisib  on  the  24th  of  June,  1839, 


To  His  Friends.  201 

which  was  undertaken  against  Moltke's  advice.  With  them 
was  Captain  Laue  of  the  Artillery.  He  had  retired  from  the 
Prussian  Army  to  enter  the  Turkish  service  independently. 
After  the  battle  the  three  friends  were  involved  in  the  flight  of 
the  totally  demoralized  Turkish  Army,  but  they  fortunately 
met  Yincke,  on  the  4th  of  July,  at  Albistan,  twenty  miles 
north  of  Nisib. 

Vincke  had  gone,  iu  December,  1838,  by  order  of  the  Sultan, 
to  Angora  to  assist  the  Mushir  Izzet  Mehmed  Pasha  in  the  or- 
ganization of  an  army-corps,  which  was  princij)ally  composed  of 
militia  (redifs).  Contrary  to  Vincke's  advice,  Izzet  Pasha  led 
his  corps  to  join  the  army  which  was  beaten  at  Nisib.  During 
the  whole  of  the  march,  which  was  conducted  in  the  most 
unskilful  manner,  Vincke  tried  with  all  his  might  to  prevent 
the  misfortune  which  he  foresaw,  but  he  was  most  rudely 
insulted  by  the  Pasha,  and  therefore  went  with  Moltke  and 
Miihlbach  to  Hafiz  Pasha,  who  had  retreated  as  far  as  Malatia 
(about  twenty  German  miles  east  of  Albistan)  where,  unpur- 
sued  by  the  Egyptians,  he  could  leisurely  reassemble  his  army, 
and  await  reinforcements.  But  meanwhile  the  Army  Corps  of 
Izzet  Pasha,  driven  to  extremities  by  hunger,  want  and 
exertion,  were  entirely  disbanded  without  having  even  seen 
the  enemy.     The  four  Prussian  officers,  who  had  been  politely 

'  Laue  had  been  (Premier)  Lieutenant  in  the  Horse 
Artillery  ;  in  1829  he  entered  the  Turkish  Service  for  the  first 
time,  but  he  returned  in  1831,  and  was  attached  to  the  militia. 
In  1837  he  again  went  to  Turkey,  and  remained  there  with  the 
army  in  Asia  Minor  till  1841,  when  he  returned  a  second  time 
to  his  own  country,  and  as  Major  was  attached  to  the  General 
Staff".  Later  on  he  was  personal  aide-de-camp  to  the  Prince  of 
Prussia  (His  Majesty  Emperor  William  I.),  after  that  Governor 
of  Saarlouis.  He  left  the  array  in  1857  as  Major-General. 
In  1858  he  was  knighted,  and  died  in  1862. 


202     Selections  from  Letters 

received  by  Ilafiz  Pasha,  remained  some  days  at  Asbusu,  near 
Malatia,  when  the  news  of  the  Sultan  INIahmoud's  deatli,  and 
the  succession  to  the  throne  of  Abdul  Medshid  arrived.  The 
ambassador  of  the  new  Sultan  brought  the  officers  permission  to 
return  to  Constantinople.  This  tiring  and  exciting  journey  has 
been  vividly  described  by  Moltke  in  his  letters  from  Turkey. 
At  Constantinople  Moltke,  Mühlbach,  and  Vincke,  found  orders 
awaiting  them  from  their  King,  to  return  to  Prussia,  and  on 
September  9th,  1839,  they  left  Constantinople,  after  having 
concluded  their  business  there. 


Bujukdere,  February  28th,  1837. 

Dear  Fischer/ 

I  have  just  received  your  kind  letter  of  the 
31st  ult.,  and  hasten  to  answer  it  at  once  by  to- 
day's post.  You  are  wi'ong  in  believing  that  I  am 
not  lookino-  forward  to  vour  cominji  -^vith  creat 
joy.  I  never  find  it  hard  to  subordinate  myself 
to  those  I  esteem,  and  it  is  with  great  impatience 
that  I  await  the  arrival  of  two  such  dear  comrades 
as  you  and  Vincke. 

I  had  heard  of  your  orders  and  also  of 
Miihlbach's,  but  not  of  Vincke's.  I  willingly  give 
up  the  Chief  Command  of  our  little  colony — a 
new   East    Prussia — though   I  ha^'e  had   the  un- 

*  Major-General  Fischer. 


To  His  Friends.  203 

disputed  enjoyment  of  it  up  to  the  present.     There 
is  not  much  glory  to  be  won  here. 

It  is  a  satisfaction  to  me  to  know  that  my 
correspondence  with  our  Chief,  perhaps  also  the 
communications  I  made  from  time  to  time  to 
Forstner,  Monts,  Borcke,  and  Prittmtz,  are  kno^\^l 
to  you.  It  will  have  prepared  you  in  some 
measure ;  you  will  have  learned  by  it  that  it  is 
possible  to  occupy  an  apparently  very  important 
and  influential  position,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
be  without  influence  and  importance.  This  feeling 
of  uselessness,  in  a  place  where  one  might  be  of 
the  greatest  use,  has  also  determined  me  several 
times  to  ask  for  my  recall.  In  other  respects  the 
journey  is  very  interesting,  and  life  here  is  very 
pleasant.  Your  presence  here  will  break  the 
monotony,  and  I  hope  that  we  shall  all  strive 
unanimously  to  work  for  the  common  good.  You 
will  soon  see  that  here  one  has  to  press  upon 
people  the  things  that  are  to  their  oavh  advantage. 

We  were  daily  expecting  the  Russian  steamer  ; 
she  is  still,  however,  lying  frost-bound  in  the  har- 
bour of  Odessa ;  but  with  this  strong  south  wind 
must  be  here  in  a  week.     Count  Königsmark  will 


204  Selections  from  Letters 

embark  in  lier  a  Aveek  after  her  arrival.  There  is 
a  fortnight's  quarantine,  and  so  Count  Konigsmark 
may  be  expected  to  arrive  at  BcrHn  in  the  be- 
ginning of  April.  It  seems  as  if  they  were 
only  awaiting  his  arrival  to  arrange  your  depar- 
ture. About  that  time  the  Danube  will  be  open 
again,  and  as  the  steamers  only  take  ten  days 
from  Pressburg  here,  I  hojDC  to  welcome  you  in 
old  Byzantium  as  early  as  the  beginning  of  May. 
I  very  much  wish  that  Count  Königsmark  Avould 
return  here  again  for  the  sake  of  the  cause  as  well 
as  for  our  own.  But  it  almost  seems  as  if  it  were 
intended  to  appoint  another  successor ;  ^vill  you, 
please,  let  me  know  what  you  may  hear  about  it  ? 

Will  you  remember  me  to  your  wife,  and  tell 
her,  by  way  of  consolation,  that  the  plague,  Avhich 
indeed  was  very  serious  here  last  year,  may  now 
be  considered  extinct  ?  After  such  a  severe  out- 
break there  is  generally  a  few  years'  cessation. 

In  regard  to  your  outfit,  I  advise  you  to  pro- 
vide yourself  with  clothes,  books,  maps,  etc.,  for 
two  years ;  for  everything  here  is  very  dear  and 
bad,  and  sometimes  nothing  at  aU  is  to  be  had.  As 
you  will  very  likely  go  by  steamer,  you  would  do 


To  His  Friends.  205 

well  to  bring  your  own  saddle  and  harness.  I  have 
bought  one  set  of  harness  here  for  fifty  florins,  but 
it  is  very  second-rate.  If  you  can  manage  it,  it 
would  be  most  advantageous  to  you  to  start  by 
one  of  the  first  steamers,  later  on  they  do  not 
keep  to  their  time  ;  and  you  might  run  the  risk 
of  being  landed  for  a  fortnight  in  a  miserable  nest, 
as  I  was.  You  will  be  able  to  procure  the  time- 
table in  Berlin,  or  you  might  write  for  it  to  the 
office  of  the  Steam  Navigation  Company  in  Vienna. 
As  the  steamers  on  the  Lower  Danube  only  go 
fortnightly,  you  must  make  out  your  route  accord- 
ingly from  Pressburg. 

By-the-bye  !  Will  you  kindly  inquire  at  Semlin 
at  the  Steamship  Company's  Office  for  letters  for 
you  ?  there  may  be  commissions  which  we  should 
be  glad  for  you  to  do  on  your  way.  I  shall  be 
anxious  to  hear  what  you  think  of  Varna.  Two 
uniforms,  even  one,  would  be  sufficient.  It  is  one 
of  the  anomalies  in  our  position,  that  we  smoke 
the  pipe  with  the  serashler,  and  sit  with  him  on 
the  sofa,  while  the  Pashas  squat  on  the  floor.  And 
again  in  the  ante-rooms,  the  pipe  replenisher 
neither  rises  from  his  seat  when  you  pass,  nor  do 


2o6  Selections  from  Letters 

the  sentinels  present  arms  to  you.  We  shall  pro- 
bably have  to  appear  in  uniform  on  very  few 
occasions,  and  then  the  sentinels  will  receive  special 
orders  beforehand.  It  would  be  a  great  advantage 
to  know  Turkish  well,  but  it  would  hardly  be 
worth  while  spending  much  time  learning  it,  and 
in  the  end  understanding  little  of  it.  You  know 
what  a  drawback  it  is  to  speak  a  language  badly. 
And  we  are  accompanied  everywhere  by  drago- 
mans. You  would  find  it  very  useful  to  have 
your  own  servant.  If  you  bring  your  uniform 
with  you,  it  will  also  be  necessary  for  me  to  have 
mine ;  and  I  should  be  much  obliged  to  you,  dear 
Fischer,  if  you  would  allow  your  servant  to  take 
care  of  it.  I  will  gladly  repay  you  any  expenses 
caused  by  it,  with  many  thanks.  As  I  feel  sure 
that  you  "will  undertake  this  trouble  to  oblige  me, 
I  shall  write  to  my  cousin  Ballhorn  to  send  you  a 
new  uniform  for  me. 

I  am  very  sorry  that  Monts  and  Borcke  are 
disappointed  in  their  expectations.  But  I  hope 
to  make  room  for  at  least  one  of  them,  for  as  I 
shall  have  been  here  two  years  next  November 
my  request  to  be  recalled  may  be  granted  about 


To  His  Friends.  207 

that  time.  Please  to  remember  me  to  all  com- 
rades and  friends.  I  hope  you  will  write  often 
before  you  leave,  and  I  am  anxiously  looking  for- 
ward to  further  news  from  you  and  very  im- 
patiently to  your  arrival  here.  Au  re  voir,  then ! 
With  sincere  esteem  and  friendship,  yours, 

Von  Moltke. 

What  does  Major  Brandt  say  to  this  affair  ?  and 
what  do  their  mves  say  ? 

Count  Königsmark  is  bringing  some  reports 
with  him,  which  at  the  present  moment  may 
interest  you,  for  just  now  everything,  even  the 
smallest  matter,  that  refers  to  this  country,  must 
be  welcome.  Remember  me  to  Vincke  when  he 
arrives,  also  to  Forstner;  I  ask  him  to  comply 
with  any  requests  my  cousin  may  make. 


Vienna,  November  14th,  1839. 

Deae  Fischer, 

Your  ^  two  letters  of  this  month  have  given 
me  much  pleasure,  they  arrived  when  I  was  ill. 

'  In  this  letter  the  friendly  "Du  "  is  used,  in  the  former,  the 
friends  used  the  more  formal  "  Sie." — [Note  by  translator.] 


2o8  Selections  from  Letters 

Vincke  "svill  liave  told  you  that  I  am  akeady 
better,  and  I  am  looking  forward  to  seeing  you 
again  soon  and  having  a  chat  with  you  about  our 
Asiatic  expeditions.  You  are  right  in  calling  me 
an  uncertain  correspondent,  for  to  you  I  have  really 
been  so  ;  but  journeys,  illness,  correspondence  with 
Vincke,  and  who  knows  what  else,  prevented  me 
from  writing,  and  even  to-day  I  cannot  get  on. 
Therefore  we  must  wait  till  we  meet. 

I  shall  be  obliged  to  you  if  you  will  kindly 
make  my  compliments  to  our  high  Superior,  and 
remember  me  kindly  to  all  comrades. 

The  invitations  from  your  wife  and  yourself  are 
so  kind  and  friendly,  that  I  may  easily  be  tempted 
to  accept  them. 

If  I  should  be  far  enough  advanced  in  my  re- 
covery to  travel  in  the  beginning  of  December, 
I  shall  feel  much  inclined  to  go  by  Munich, 
Augsburg,  Nuremberg,  and  Hof,  instead  of  travel- 
ling through  the  monotonous  plains  of  Bohemia 
and  Silesia.     I  do  not  yet  know  the  former  route. 

Enough  for  to-day,  dear  Fischer ;  my  best  com- 
pliments to  your  wife.  With  sincere  friendship, 
your  Von  Moltke. 


To  His  Friends.  209 

Not  dated.  (From  the  year  1841.) 
Dear  Fischer, 

In  your  interesting  pamphlet  about  rail- 
ways, which  I  have  read  through  several  times 
and  always  with  increasing  interest,  and  which  is, 
in  fact,  a  small  catechism  on  this  subject,  you  say 
on  page  29  that  an  engine  moving  at  the  rate  of 

4  miles  will  draw  800  centners  ^ 
3      „  „  1400       „ 

2      „  „         2400       „ 

with   the   expenditure   of  the    same    amount   of 
power. 

Where  has  this  statement  been  taken  from  ?  is 
it  founded  upon  calculations  or  upon  trial?  It 
seems  so  natural  with  steamers,  as  with  everything 
in  mechanics,  that  power  should  be  gained  in  the 
same  proportion  as  time  is  lost.  Lindley  asserts 
(and  also  the  people  at  Hamburg  who  firmly 
believe  in  Lindley),  that  every  engine  is  con- 
structed for  a  certain  speed  and  that  it  cannot 
increase  its  power,  even  by  going  slower,  because 
the  vapour   escapes  from  the  valve.     I   am  sure 

^  1  centner  =  100  lbs. 


2IO  Selections  from  Letters 

this  cannot  be  quite  correct,  but  the  proportion  of 
800:1400:2400    for    4:3:2    has    surprised   me 
much.     Resting  on  his  assertion,  Lindley  rejects 
all  rise  over  1  :  1000.     And  as  we  cannot  avoid  a 
gradient  of  1  :  300  in   some    places  of  our   lines 
without  incurring  enormous  expenses,  he  asserts, 
it  is  little    better  than    a   high-road,    etc.     Half 
of  his   line  runs    along  the    banks  of   the   Elbe 
in  districts  subject  to  frequent  inundations,  where 
favourable  ascents  are  easily  obtained ;  his  plans 
are  founded  upon  general  truths,  but  nobody  can 
overlook  that  they  incur  an    enormous  expense. 
The    people  at  Hamburg   allow  that   themselves, 
but  they  are  afraid  when  they  hear   of  propor- 
tions of  1  :  300,  which  they  may  suppose  to  be 
like  the  balustrade  at  the  Stintfang.     You  would 
oblige  me  very  much  if  you  would  let  me  know,  as 
soon  as  possible,  where  you  have  taken  your  note 
from,  and  also  what  your  opinion  in  the  matter  is. 
We   are   so   far   advanced  with  our   preliminary 
Avork,  that   we  are  thinking  of  laying   it  before 
government  next  winter. 

I  am  glad  to  tell  you  that  your  wife  is  well ;  I 
have  seen  her  and  find  her  looking  very  well. 


To  His  Friends.  21  x 

The  news  from  Vincke  is  satisfactory.  He  was 
obliged  to  stay  behind  at  Vienna,  as  you  may 
have  heard,  and  his  wife,  who  had  to  go  to  Silesia, 
joined  him  at  Vienna.  Our  friend  Laue  has  been 
here  a  fortnight.  His  affairs  are  prospering;  it 
seems  that  Boyen  is  particularly  interested  in  him, 
and  I  think  he  will  receive  an  appointment  as 
major.  He  has  not  received  the  Nishan,  and  has 
sent  his  decoration  as  Colonel  to  the  seraskier,  ask- 
ing him  for  a  receipt. 

There  is  no  other  news.  Remember  me  to 
Borcke  and  Minutoli  when  you  see  them.  Fare- 
well, dear  Fischer ;  please  send  me  a  few  lines  about 
the  subject  mentioned  in  the  beginning  of  this  letter. 
In  true  friendship.  Your, 

Von  Moltke. 


Magdeburg,  Dec.  12th,  1854. 
Dear  Fischer, 

I  am  glad  that  you  have  taken  steps  to 
preserve  our  claims  to  the  geographical  know- 
ledge of  Asia  Minor.  All  our  discoveries  have 
been  made  use  of  in  all  the  modern  maps  without 
the  source  ever  being  mentioned. 

r  2 


2  12  Selections  from  Letters 

To  push  matters  further,  I  have  sent  your  letter 
with  enclosure  of  the  9th  inst.  to  Vincke,  who  gives 
the  laws  in  Berlin.  My  time  is  nuich  engaged 
just  now  Avith  the  new  plan  of  mobilization, 
and  Vincke  is,  in  Berlin,  in  the  right  place,  he 
will  not  be  lacking  in  real  interest  in  the  matter, 
I  do  not  doubt  that  all  will  be  mana2:ed  well. 

The  Russians  thought  to  astonish  all  Europe, 
and  they  might  have  been  near  enough  in  succeed- 
ing, if  the  Turks  had  not  taken  matters  into 
their  o'wn  hands.  And  now  it  stands  thus,  that 
it  is  impossible  for  Russia  to  succeed.  The  most 
fortunate  campaign  would  cost  them  100,000  men 
and  would  at  least  require  a  year.  But  with  only 
40,000  French  and  English  soldiers  at  Adrianople 
it  will  be  difficult  to  gain  the  real  object  of  the  war. 
I  cannot  imagine  that  the  Russians  will  make  the 
attempt  without  the  sovereignty  in  the  Black  Sea, 
but  the  most  pious  Emperor  has  lent  a  religious 
appearance  to  the  enterprise,  so  that  one  can- 
not see  how  he  will  come  out  Avitli  honour,  and  for 
the  Emperor  Nicolas  this  is  no  small  consideration. 
I  well  believe  that  they  would  like  to  use  us  for 
taking  the  chestnuts  out  of  the  fire.     Russia  is  en- 


To  His  Friends.  213 

gaged  in  the  Caucasus  and  on  the  Danube,  and  must 
guard  St.  Petersburg  against  an  English  fleet  and 
keep  Poland  in  check.  If  we  join  Russia,  we 
must  not  count  upon  a  single  man  from  them. 
Austria  has  to  fight  against  Sardinia  and  the 
revolution  in  Italy,  and  also  to  prevent  a  revo- 
lution in  Hungary ;  we  have  the  revolutions  in 
Baden  and  Hesse  and  a  French  Army  in  the 
Rhine  province.  Perhaps  the  Russians  would 
then  help  us  next  year,  and  we  should  have  to 
imitate  the  "  gratitude  "  of  Austria.  One  thing  is 
certain,  that  for  the  present  the  alliance  has  been 
declined,  but  it  is  not  certain  whether  the  Kreuz- 
partei  ^  and  family  alliances  will  not  find  a  way  of 
adjusting  matters,  but  in  such  a  case  it  would  be 
wise  to  give  an  order  of  mobilization  as  soon  as 
the  alliance  is  concluded. 

It  is  possible  that  we  may  be  sent  again  to  the 
East.  But  I  should  not  like  to  go  to  the  Russian 
head-quarters  at  Bucharest.  It  would  be  a 
wrong  position  after  having  held  commissions  from 
the  Porte,  and,  as  for  myself,  I  wish  the  honest 
Mahomedans  every  success  against  the  Muscovites. 

'  Party  represented  by  the  Kreuz-Zeitung, 


214  Selections  from  Letters 

How  tlicy  arc  fighting !  It  shows  that  every 
nation  can  be  brave  if  the  war  is  a  real  necessity. 

The  fact  that  the  Turks  are  before  KaLafat  is  of 
no  great  importance.  They  'vvill  be  forced  to  re- 
treat as  soon  as  the  Russians  advance  near  Tur- 
tokoi  and  Hirsova.  But  with  the  eyes  of  Europe 
upon  him  the  Emperor  will  very  likely  immensely 
dislike  the  position  of  keeping  on  the  offensive  in 
Wallachia.  If  GortshakofF  should  advance  here 
with  great  forces,  we  should  send  Omer  at  once  by 
the  shortest  way  to  Bucharest,  and  very  likely 
bring  about  a  speedy  return.  If  Omer  would  only 
avoid  a  big  hataille  rangee !  Such  a  one  might  be 
dangerous. 

I  have  hardly  any  of  my  works  about  Turkey 
left.  The  original  surveys  I  have  given  to  the 
General  Staff,  where  they  have  been  partly  mis- 
laid, I  have  only  one  plan  of  the  places  along  the 
coast,  the  Danube  fortresses  and  the  Balkan  passes 
in  50I00  reduction.  But  I  have  nothing  about 
Varna,  and  I  should  be  very  much  pleased  if 
you  could  send  me  a  copy  of  my  map  on  oil- 
paper. My  original  map  of  Shumla  is  in  posses- 
sion of  the  General  Staff.     I  can  have  the  passes 


To  His  Friends.  215 

over  the  Balkan  copied  for  you,  but  only  on   a 
small  scale. 

Good-bye,  dear  Fischer,  it  is  time  to  hurry  to  a 
conclusion.  I  shall  ask  Vincke  to  write  to  you 
about  the  matter  mentioned  in  the  beginning  of 
this  letter.  My  wife's  compliments  and  my  own  to 
your  family.  Please  to  give  my  love  to  my  old 
friend  Frobel,  "wdth  my  best  congratulations  on  his 
engagement. 

Your  affectionate 

Von  Moltke. 


Magdebui'g,  May  27th,  1855. 

It  was  a  great  pleasure  to  me,  dear  Fischer, 
to  hear  direct  from  you  once  again,  though  after  a 
long  time.  I  sincerely  hope  that  you  have  done 
with  all  illness  now,  and  that  you  feel  quite  well 
and  happy  at  beautiful  Coblentz  ;  one  might  envy 
you  your  being  there.  .  .  . 

It  seems  doubtful  to  me,  if  I  shall  be  included 
in  the  promotions  this  time.  I  think  for  a  good 
promotion  it  is  quite  necessary  to  be  in  the  brigade. 
Unfortunately  I  have  not  done  any  practical  ser- 


2i6  Selections  from  Letters 

vice  for  a  long  time,  and  this  loss  is  not  easily  re- 
paired. It  is  possible  that  I  may  have  already 
attained  my  limit,  and  in  that  case  I  would  retire 
at  once  on  the  smallest  hint. 

AVhat  is  to  become  of  the  situation  at  Sebas- 
topol  ?  It  will  be  of  no  use  to  begin  operations 
at  Kertch,  Balaklava,  and  Eupatoria  at  the  same 
time.  Omer  will  not  sacrifice  himself  to  liberate 
the  Allied  Powers.  Is  it  their  intention  to  with- 
draw the  Reserve  Forces  to  Eupatoria  and  to  send 
part  of  the  besieging  Corps  there  secretly  as  soon 
as  possible,  so  that  by  the  help  of  a  rearguard 
they  may  retire  from  the  difficulty  with  a  sacrifice 
of  material  only  ?  Eupatoria  in  itself  is  a  basis  for 
advancement  and  re-embarkment,  but  this  re- 
quires a  coast-line  several  miles  long,  from  which 
the  naval  artillery  could  be  effectually  worked. 

The  possibility  of  success  in  this  expedition  lay 
in  the  use  that  was  made  of  the  victory  on  the 
Alma,  and  as  it  was  almost  entirely  neglected, 
operations  will  have  to  be  begun  again  from  Eupa- 
toria, Avhich  is  much  more  difficult  now  that 
cavalry  is  scarce.  A  better  plan  would  be  to 
carry     on    operations    from    the    lower    Danube 


To  His  Friends.  217 

through  the  very  fertile  districts  towards  Kiev. 
That  would  make  room  in  the  Crimea,  but  to 
carry  out  this  plan  the  Austrians  would  be 
wanted.  If  they  are  not  inclined  to  move,  I 
think  there  will  be  nothing  left  to  the  Allies 
but  to  make  peace.  As  long  as  the  French 
are  besieging  Sebastopol  Avitli  more  than  100,000 
men,  it  will  not  be  easy  for  them  to  turn  their 
wrath  against  Germany  or  Italy.  The  time  for 
operations  is  come,  and  something  must  soon  be 
done. 

My  wife  sends  her  best  love. 

With  true  friendship  and  devotion,  Your 

Von  Moltice. 


Berlin,  Nov.  4th,  1855. 
Dear  Fischer, 

.  .  .  The  matter  about  my  command  is  not 
private  and  the  Prince's  Court  is  well  informed 
about  it.  The  whole  affair  was  arranged  officially, 
without  my  knowing  anything  about  it,  through 
the  Lord  High  Chamberlain  and  the  Military 
Cabinet,  which  had  found  me  suitable.     I  have 


2i8  Selections  from  Letters 

reason  to  believe  that  the  Prince  and  Princess 
of  Prussia  have  no  objection  to  my  appointment. 
But  Avhat  position  I  shall  be  able  to  take 
Avith  the  young  Prince  I  am  not  yet  able  to 
judge,  in  spite  of  his  great  courteousness  to  me. 
All  his  sympathies  are  with  his  old  play-fellows  and 
Dutzbriider  ^  at  Potsdam  and,  perhaps  also  with 
his  last  tried  aide-de-camp.  At  present  he  is  with 
a  battalion  at  Potsdam.  I  only  see  him  at  the 
hunt,  or  when  he  makes  a  special  arrangement  for 
me  to  go  there.  His  definite  move  to  Berlin  is 
being  put  off  as  long  as  possible.  But  steps  have 
been  taken  for  the  Prince  to  attend  sittings  in 
the  different  Cabinets.  In  my  opinion  he  will 
only  learn  special  cases  in  that  way,  but  it  may 
be  arranged  for  suitable  members  of  these  bodies 
to  lecture  before  him  on  proceedings  of  the 
Administration  in  general.  I  have  asked  per- 
mission to  attend  these  sittings  myself,  that  I  may 
learn  what  is  to  be  learnt  from  them. 

Besides  this,  the  Prince  has  asked  me  to  give 
him  lectures  on  a  campaign.     But  I  have  told  him 
that  I  would  rather  instruct  him    on    important 
'  Friends  that  one  addresses  with  "  Du." 


To  His  Friends.  219 

military  questions  of  the  clay,  -very  interesting 
material  for  which  is  afforded  by  the  Great  General 
Staff.  I  am  noAv  engaged  in  working  out  the 
campaign  in  the  Crimea,  and  the  present  state  of 
this  question,  in  Avhich  I  am  much  assisted  by 
Riistow's  very  able  book  and  the  collected  notes 
of  the  General  Staff.  It  is  important  not  to  weary 
the  young  gentleman,  but  to  try  to  hnterest  him 
in  the  subject. 

Vincke  has  been  to  see  us.  It  is  a  good  thing 
he  stays  away  from  Parliament.  I  think  he  is  run- 
ning in  the  wrong  direction  with  his  opposing 
views  ;  otherwise  he  is  the  same  old  honest  true- 
hearted  soul. 

What  do  you  say  to  Sebastopol?  An  army 
known  to  fight  like  the  Russian,  cannot  have  good 
leaders,  and  be  beaten  in  two  parts  of  the  world. 
Since  the  dwarf  of  Eupatoria  has  grown  into  a 
giant,  and  Kinburn  has  been  lost,  I  do  not  doubt 
that  the  Crimea  will  be  evacuated  before  the  be- 
ginning of  winter  even  without  another  battle. 
The  Crimea  is  not  a  place  that  can  be  kept  uncon- 
ditionally like  Gibraltar  or  Malta.  The  Turks  are 
too  weak  for  such  a  present,  as  Sweden  is  for  Fin- 


2  20  Selections  from  Letters 

land.     If  the  Allies  were  to  hold  the  Crimea,  they 

would  have  to  keep  an  army  there  on  a  perpetual 

war-footinir.     I  therefore  look  upon  the  peninsula 

as  a  forfeit  whicli  Russia  will  have  to  redeem  when 

peace  is  made.     And  to  that   Russia  will  soon  be 

brought,  even  without  an  invasion,  by  the  allied 

army  on  the  south  frontier,  and  by  the  blockade  of 

the  two  seas,  against  which  she  has  no  defence. 

But  I  must  conclude  my   already  too  lengthy 

letter. 

In  old  friendship.  Yours, 

Von  Moltke. 


Marash,  June  2Gth,  1839. 
Dear  Vincke,^ 

On  the  24th  of  this  month  we  threw  away 
Syria.  There  was  no  special  surprise,  no  sur- 
rounding of  the  wing,  nothing  of  that  kind,  but  a 
lively  cannonade.  The  troops  were  so  terrified, 
that  first  the  brigade  of  Heyder  Pasha,  then  the 
cavalry,  and  at  last  everybody  took  to  flight. 
In  the  fight  we  certainly  did  not  lose  a  thousand 

*  Captain  Baron  von  Vincke. 


To  His  Friends.  221 

men,  but  during  the  retreat  or  flight  we  lost  at  least 
two-thirds  of  the  corps.  The  Pasha  and  part  of  the 
Army  retreated  to  Behesne  ;  the  bulk  of  it  will 
probably  come  to  Marash,  if  the  enemy  pursues. 
Hafiz  Pasha  had  absolutely  refused  to  go  back  to 
Biradshik,  because  he  said  it  was  aib  (a  shame), 
when  we  were  suddenly  surrounded  from  the  left 
(strategically)  at  Nisib.  Whereupon  I  asked  for 
my  discharge  and  for  passports  to  Constantinople, 
just  before  the  battle  began. 

Mühlbach,  Laue  and  myself  are  well  and  rode 
here  together  without  delay  from  the  battle-field. 
We  are  still  without  further  news.  We  shall  very 
likely  join  you.  It  is  now  important  to  raise  an 
army,  perhaps  near  Kaisarieh.  Adieu.  The 
tatar  is  going  away.  If  they  had  held  out  for 
another  half  hour,  Ibrahim  Pasha  might  have  been 
defeated.     He  attacked  from  Biradshik. 

MOLTKE. 


Letters   from   Captain   Baron  von 
Vincke  to  Major-General  Fischer. 

AsBUSU,  July  17tli,  1839.  Moltke  has  behaved  on  every 
occasion  as  "  un  chevalier  sans  peur  et  sans  reproche,"  and  as 
an  able,  active  and  discreet  officer  of  the  General  Staff.  Even 
when  he  was  ill  and  Mdien  he  had  better  have  stayed  in  bed, 
he  was  at  his  post.  He  always  took  part  in  reconnoitring,  and 
as  he  was  bold  and  plucky,  the  Turks  took  him  for  a  kind  of 
Dali.^  He  is  highly  esteemed  by  everybody,  and  the  Pasha 
has  always  valued  his  opinion  and  advice,  though  on  the  most 
important  point  lie  did  not  listen  to  him.  He  now  sees,  only 
too  clearly,  how  wrong  he  was  not  to  do  so.  I  have  heard  this 
confession  both  from  himself  and  from  other  generals.  If  we 
had  only  remained  at  Biradshik  or  had  returned  there  !  ^ 

On  the  20th,  when  the  news  of  Ibrahim's  approach  arrived, 
Moltke  had  been  lying  ill  in  his  tent  for  six  weeks,  suffering  from 
dysentery.  But  on  hearing  the  news,  he  rose  and  he  has  not 
had  any  rest  since  then.  I  cannot  understand  how  he  could 
undergo  such  fatigues.  Here  he  has  much  improved  in  health 
through  the  rest  we  have  had  the  last  fortnight,  but  he  requires 
care  and  change  of  climate  for  his  complete  restoration.  We 
are  therefore  longing  for  our  departure,  which  depends  at 
present  upon  Mehemet  Ali  Bey.  the  confidant  of  the  Sultan. 

^  Dull,  a  legendary  hero. 

3  Compare  "Briefe  über  Zustände  und  Begebenheiten  in 
der  Türkei,"  p.  366  et  seq.,  5th  edition. 


Selections  from  Letters,  Etc.         223 

Pesth,  October  24th,  1839.  We  (my  wife  and  I)  have 
been  detained  here  since  October  8th.  Moltke,  who  has  been 
ailing  ever  since  I  met  him  at  Albistan,  and  who  has  been  weak- 
ened still  more  through  mistakes  in  his  diet  and  colds  which  he 
caught  on  the  journey,  and  the  unhealthy  quarantine,  fell 
seriously  ill  in  the  night  of  the  6th  to  the  7th  of  October^  and 
since  then  we  have  been  obliged  to  stay  here.  Some  days  ago 
he  was  almost  well  again,  except  tliat  he  was  very  languid, 
and  I  had  already  engaged  places  on  the  steamer  which  left 
yesterday,  when  a  fresh  relapse  compelled  us  to  remain. 
Though  I  should  have  liked  to  hasten  my  return  to  Berlin,  I 
cannot  leave  him  alone  so  far  away  from  home,  and  he  has  no 
servant  with  him.  .  .  . 

Moltke  is  suffering  from  gastric  and  rheumatic  fever,  a 
natural  result  of  repeated  colds  and  irregularities  in  his  diet, 
which  were  unavoidable  in  the  life  he  had  to  lead.  His  state 
is  not  critical,  but  it  requires  great  care,  and  therefore  he  ought 
to  be  looked  after,  for  Ave  know  that  he  is  easy-going  in  regard 
to  himself  and  his  health.  But  just  now  he  is  quite  different, 
and  one  might  call  him  almost  nervous.  There  is  nothing  for 
us  but  patience,  patience  !  Especially  for  my  poor  wife,  who 
seems  to  be  destined  to  be  nurse  for  the  whole  Prussian  General 
Staff  in  the  East,  and  who  is  very  home-sick. 

Eegelsbrunn,^  October  30th,  1839.  I  put  off  sending 
you  this  letter,  which  I  wrote  several  days  ago,  because  I 
hoped  to  be  able  to  tell  you  of  our  start,  as  the  varying 
state  of  Moltke's  health  made  us  hope  that  we  might 
possibly  get  off  at  last.  The  day  before  yesterday  we 
really  left  Pesth  by  the  steamer  in  the  morning,  hoping  to 
remain  on  board  as  far  as  Vienna  ;  and  though  Moltke  was 
very  weak — he  had  been  up  a  few  hours  for  the  first  time  the 
day  before — we  hastened   to  avail  ourselves  of  the  very  un- 

'  On  the  Danube,  half  way  between  Pressburg  and  Vienna. 


2  24     Selections  from  Letters 

certain  steamers,  for  every  day  it  became  more  difficult  to 
transport  our  patient  to  Vienna,  as  we  were  afraid  the  steamers 
might  cease  runnin;^'.  We  therefore  left  on  Monday,  at  six 
o'clock  in  the  morning  ;  it  was  raining ;  we  arrived  in  the 
evening  at  nine  o'clock  at  Günyö,  where  we  spent  the  night. 
We  had  taken  a  private  cabin  for  Moltke,  so  that  he  could  stay 
in  bed  the  whole  day,  and  in  this  way  the  journey  was  not 
tiring  for  him  ;  he  had  no  trace  of  fever.  Yesterday  morning 
at  three  o'clock  we  left  again  by  moonlight ;  and  passed  several 
dangerous  places,  only  to  stick  fast  at  Vagha,  We  were 
detained  from  nine  o'clock  till  half  past  two  in  the  after- 
noon ;  once  more  afloat,  we  continued  our  journey  for  a  quarter 
of  an  hour  to  a  sand-bank,  where  we  landed  to  embark  on  the 
Maria  Anna,  Avhich  was  waiting  for  us  on  the  other  side.  This 
transshipping,  which  we  had  not  foreseen,  as  we  had  been  told 
that  the  Sojjhia  would  go  as  far  as  Vienna,  Avas  difficult  and 
dangerous  for  Moltke ;  he  was  seized  with  shivering  fits, 
followed  by  feverishness.  Towards  evening  he  was  better,  and 
had  a  pretty  good  night.  The  seven  hours'  delay  prevented 
our  reaching  Pressburg  yesterday ;  Ave  had  to  lie  at  anchor 
another  night,  and  after  leaving  at  four  o'clock  this  morn- 
ing we  landed  at  Pressburg  at  eight,  where  Ave  were  much 
disappointed  to  hear  that  the  steamer  was  not  going  as  far  as 
Vienna.  We  had  to  make  up  our  minds  to  hire  a  covered 
carriage  in  which  we  left  Pressburg  at  noon  to-day.  But 
Moltke  A\-as  so  Aveak,  that  he  could  not  go  any  farther,  he 
almost  fainted  on  the  way;  and  my  Avife  and  I  held  him 
on  our  knees.  May  God  grant  him  a  quiet  night  ;  and  may 
he  be  strong  enough  to  go  on  with  us  to  Vienna  to-morrow. 
It  is  fortunate  that  Ave  left,  for  communication  by  steamer  is 
now  being  broken  off,  and  in  November  weather  Ave  could  not 
have  gone  in  a  Hungarian  carriage  Avith  a  patient  like  Moltke. 
What  should  Ave  have  done  if  Ave  had  gone  by  Italy  or  Egypt  J 
Vienna,  October   31st,    1839.     God    be  thanked,  Ave   have 


To  His  Friends.  225 

happily  arrived  at  Vienna.  We  left  Kegelsbrunn  this  morning 
at  nine  o'clock ;  as  far  as  Fiscliament — the  first  station — 
Moltke  was  in  a  sitting  posture,  but  then  he  could  endure  it 
no  longer  ;  I  took  an  open  carriage  for  my  wife  and  myself 
and  left  the  covered  carriage  to  him,  arranging  it  so  that 
he  could  lie  down.  My  servant  Franz  remained  with  him  ; 
they  followed  slowly,  while  we  went  on  in  advance  to  look  for 
rooms  and  to  make  necessary  preparations.  So  we  are  estab- 
lished in  the  "  Schwan "  in  the  Kärthner  Strasse.  Though 
Moltke  has  been  very  weak,  he  does  not  seem  worse  to-night, 
in  fact,  rather  better  than  he  was  when  we  packed  him  off  at 
Pesth,  and  I  hope  that  he  will  gradually  recover  if  he  will  only 
take  care.  But  he  is  a  patient  who  wants  careful  watching, 
from  carelessness  about  his  diet.  I  hope  the  supper  which  he 
took  to-day  with  a  hearty  appetite  will  not  do  him  harm. 

I  am  thinking  of  remaining  here  a  fortnight.  If  Moltke 
should  be  quite  strong  by  then,  we  shall,  perhaps,  travel  to- 
gether ;  but  if  this  is  not  the  case,  I  shall  advise  him  on  no 
account  to  leave  before  he  is  quite  well  and  sure  of  being  able 
to  bear  the  fatigues  of  a  journey. 

Vienna,  November  Gth,  1839.  Our  friend  Moltke  is  not 
getting  on  well,  I  am  sorry  to  say.  He  has  been  in  bed  ever 
since  he  came  here  a  week  to-morrow ;  he  has  an  intermittent 
bilious  fever,  which  is  decreasing,  but  which  has  made  him  very 
weak.  I  think  he  must  stay  here  for  some  time,  that  he  may 
be  quite  strong  before  venturing  on  his  return  journey  at  this 
season,  I  do  not  much  like  leaving  him  here  alone,  before  he 
is  far  enough  advanced  to  be  up  the  greater  part  of  the  day, 
and  to  be  able  to  while  away  his  time ;  on  the  other  hand,  I 
know  well  that  my  presence  is  needed  in  Berlin. 

Vienna,  November  7th,  1839.  I  have  just  had  an  interview 
with  the  doctor,  about  Moltke.  He  has  an  intermittent  fever, 
and  his  stomach,  bowels  and  bile  are  completely  out  of  order. 
The  doctor  will  give  him  quinine  to-day,  and  in  a  few  days  ho 


2  26         Selections  from  Lett?:k?,  Etc. 

will  see  if  his  recover}-  is  likely  to  be  quick  or  slow.  In  the 
former  case,  which  may  God  grant,  I  mean  to  leave  as  soon  as  the 
patient  is  well  enough  to  be  out  of  bed  during  the  day ;  I  hope 
this  will  be  some  time  next  week.  But  if  he  does  not  improve, 
I  really  do  not  know  what  to  do.  At  all  events  I  shall  wait 
and  see  for  a  few  days.  I  am  longing  to  get  home,  but  it  is 
against  my  conscience  to  leave  Moltke  alone  in  his  present 
condition,  unless  I  receive  orders. 

Breslau,  November  19th,  1839.  As  Moltke  was  out  of  bed, 
and  his  recovery,  as  I  confidently  hope,  is  thorough,  we  left 
Vienna  on  the  14th  inst. 


LETTERS  TO  COUNT  EDUARD  VON 
BETHUSY-HUC. 

CocNT  Eduard  vox  Bethust-Huc,  born  in  1800,  was  first  an 
ofiScer  in  the  Engineers^  then  Aide-de-camp  to  Prince  Charles, 
and  from  1835  to  1847  tutor  to  Prince  Frederick  Charles.  From 
this  time  dates  his  acquaintance  with  the  Field-Marshal,  whose 
wife  was  an  intimate  friend  of  the  Countess  Bethusy,  nee  von 
Kircheisen.  In  1847  Count  Bethusy  retired  from  the  Army 
Avith  the  rank  of  Major^  and  was  then  for  a  time  director  of 
the  Ritter  Academy  at  Liegnitz,  and  retired  in  1851  to  his 
estates  in  Silesia.  After  he  had  sold  them,  he  lived  with 
his  son  Dodo  on  his  estate  Langenhof,  which  became  his  after 
his  son  had  died  the  death  of  a  hero  at  Koniggrätz.  He  died 
in  1871  at  Breslau. 

Besides  distinguishing  himself  in  his  profession,  Count 
Bethusy  had  intellectual  gifts  of  a  high  order.  As  a  young 
lieutenant,  he  had  taken  part  in  the  Eussian  campaign  against 
Turkey  in  1829  under  General  Diebitsch. 

As  an  explanation  of  the  following  letters,  we  may  say  that 
the  first  is  the  Field-Marshal's  answer  to  the  Count,  who  had 
expressed  his^doubts  as  to  the  drawing-up  of  the  Prussian  Army 
(May  1st,  1866),  against  Austria,  and  principally  as  to  the  with- 
drawal of  troops  from  the  southern  parts  of  Silesia. 

Berlin,  May  29th,  1866. 
Much  Honoured  Herr  Graf, 

I  have  received  your  kind  letter,  dated  the 


228  Selections  from  Letters 

23rd  of  May,  through  your  son.  His  re-appoint- 
ment is  sure  to  take  place,  for  officers  are  much 
wanted,  and  all  who  apply  now  must  be  wel- 
come. 

You  are  right  in  saying  that  a  strong  initiative 
would  be  the  best.  The  Austrians  are  six  weeks 
in  advance  of  us  with  their  armament.  However, 
in  spite  of  it  we  shall  have  caught  them  up  by 
the  ])eginning  of  next  week.  Waiting  will  in- 
crease their  strength,  and  during  that  time  the 
hostility  of  South  Germany  will  also  increase  ; 
it  also  exliausts  our  financial  means,  and  has  a 
depressing  moral  effect.  It  is  a  grave  thing  for 
our  old  King  and  Master,  at  seventy  years  of 
age,  to  be  expected  to  take  the  first  step  in  a 
European  war,  of  which  nobody  can  see  the 
end. 

On  the  Austrian  side  the  First  Army  corps  is 
stationed  near  Prague,  the  Second  round  Olmiitz, 
the  Fourth  still  in  Cralicia  and  Austrian  Silesia, 
and  the  Saxon  Army  is  ready  near  Dresden.  The 
Tenth  Army  corps,  as  well  as  the  Sixth  and  Eighth, 
are  concentrating  round  Brunn.  They  have  1 40,000 
men  ready,  and  100,000  more  who  could  join 
them. 


To  His  Friends.  229 

As  to  our  measures,  we  have  thought  it  wise  to 
direct  all  our  forces  against  the  enemy,  who  is 
already  in  the  field,  and  at  present  to  ignore  those 
in  South  Germany  who  are  only  beginning  to 
rise.  If  we  succeed  in  defeating  the  principal 
enemy,  the  others  (except  Saxony)  will  hardly 
stir. 

Naturally  our  first  dra wing-up  would  look 
like  a  dispersion.  We  must  begin  operations 
where  the  railway  enters  the  frontier.  But  as 
soon  as  our  soldiers  have  done  so,  this  necessary 
dispersion  will  soon  be  remedied. 

Nothing  is  known  as  yet  about  the  intentions  of 
the  Austrians.  An  invasion  of  Silesia  might 
result  in  an  immediate  success  for  them.  But 
this  shock  would  not  affect  the  monarchy  at  the 
centre.  Only  operations  against  Berlin  would  be 
decisive.  Incursions  like  those  which  you 
describe,  cannot  be  avoided,  but  everything 
possible  shall  be  done  in  this  direction. 

Let  us  hope  for  the  old  luck  of  Prussia  and  the 
ability  of  her  Army ;  and  that  it  may  be  God's 
will  that  Prussia  should  now  fulfil  the  mission 
which    is  incumbent  upon  her  in   Germany.     It 


230  Selections  from  Letters 

will  be  a  serious  iiglit,  but  it  will  have  to  be 
fought  once,  and  on  the  whole,  circumstances  are 
not  unfavourable  just  now. 

j\Iy  wife  wishes  to  be  kindly    remembered  to 
you.     With  sincere  esteem  and  affection, 

Yours, 

MOLTKE. 


Berlin,  xlugust  19th,  1866. 

During  the  quiet  time  which  we  are  having 
again,  I  must  not  omit,  dear  Bethusy,  to  send  you 
my  sincere  thanks  for  several  letters,  which  I 
was  unable  to  answer  by  return,  on  account  of  the 
pressure  of  business,  but  whose  good  counsels  I 
have  not  left  unnoticed. 

We  could  not  defend  Silesia  in  Silesia,  but  we 
attacked  the  Austrians  in  Bohemia,  in  such  a 
manner  that  they  had  not  a  man  left  for  the 
visitation  which  they  had  intended  to  pay 
you. 

The  campaign  was  favoured  by  fortune  in  an 
almost  unexampled  manner,  not  a  single  under- 
taking failed.     Everybody  did  his  duty,  and  your 


To  His  Friends.  231 

kind  judgment  as  to  my  part  in  it,  has  given  me 
much  pleasure,  though  I  must  attribute  your 
opinion  to  your  interest  in  me. 

You  can  imagine  with  what  satisfaction  the  King 
has  met  his  members.  The  public  feeling  has 
much  improved ;  the  demand  for  indemnities  has 
had  a  good  effect,  also  the  annexation  of  Hanover, 
Hesse  Cassel  and  Nassau.  It  is  hard  for  the 
sovereigns,  but  a  division  of  land  would  have  been 
harder  for  the  populations. 

France  and  Russia  appear  unconcerned  about 
this  enlargement  of  Prussia,  and  the  great  thing 
for  us  now  is  to  win  the  affections  of  our  new 
subjects  by  good  and  just  government,  and  to 
organize  their  military  affairs.  We  shall  be  envied 
on  all  sides. 

The  Emperor  Napoleon  could  not  have  chosen 
a  worse  moment  for  a  war,  than  n  time  when  we 
have  640,000  armed  men.  We  should  even  have 
had  South  Germany  on  our  side,  and  if  matters 
had  come  to  the  worst,  we  might  have  entered,  at 
the  same  time,  into  a  contest  with  Austria  and 
France.  Then  the  result  would  not  only  have  been 
a  united  North  Germany,  but  an  "  entire  Ger- 
many." 


233  Selections  from  Letters 

It  is  natural  that  such  great  results  cannot  be 
obtained  witliout  great  sacrifices ;  many  families 
are  mourning,  like  yourself,  for  the  loss  of  a  dear 
one. 

Poor  Dodo  !  I  was  truly  grieved  for  him.  Your 
second  son,  as  well  as  my  nephew,  unfortunately 
came  too  late  to  take  part  in  the  grand  attack  of 
the  regiment.  At  present  they  are  at  Raitz,  a 
railway  station,  north  of  Briinn.  May  God  pre- 
serve them  from  the  dreadful  cholera. 

The  diplomatists  have  been  treatmg  now  for 
three  weeks  at  Prague,  almost  as  long  as  the 
campaign  lasted,  and  have  not  yet  come  to  a 
definitive  conclusion.  I  heartily  Avish  that  we 
might  recall  our  troops  from  the  unfortunate 
country,  so  heavily  visited  by  war,  hunger  and 
pestilence. 

My  wife,  who  wishes  me  to  assure  you  of  her 
greatest  sympathy  with  your  grief,  desires  her  kind 
remembrance,  and  I  ask  you  to  preserve  a  friendly 
interest  in  yours  truly  devoted, 

MOLTKE. 


To  His  Friends.  233 

Berlin,  January  6th,  1869. 

I  sincerely  thank  you,  dear  Herr  Graf,  for  the 
sympathizing  words  which  you  have  sent  to  me 
in  my  loneliness,  and  for  the  kind  remembrance 
that  you  have  of  my  poor  wife. 

You  too,  have  had  to  bear  the  loss  of  a  beauti- 
ful young  wife,  taken  away  in  her  prime,  and 
your  lonely  path  through  life  has  been  longer 
than  mine  can  be ;  and  what  a  hard  sacrifice  you 
had  to  make  to  your  country  only  two  years 
ago. 

After  such  losses  the  eye  looks  involuntarily  up 
to  heaven  and  towards  a  reunion,  for  which  we 
may  hope. 

I  remember  vividly  the  time  when  both  our 
young  wives  had  such  pleasant  intercourse ;  they 
mutually  attracted  each  other  by  their  bright  and 
open-hearted  characters  during  the  twenty-seven 
years  of  my  happy  married  life.  How  often 
have  I  been  strengthened  and  encouraged  in  grave 
and  momentous  times  by  my  wife's  firmness  and 
confidence.  She  was  a  real  patriot,  proud  of  the 
successes  of  our  Army  and  of  her  King,  whom  she 
expressly  included  in  her  last  prayer.     Will  you 


234         Selections  from  Letters,  Etc. 

allow  an   old   and   tried   friend  to  send  you  the 
enclosed   leaf;  and  may  I  ask  you   to  keep    the 
departed  and  myself  in  kind  remembrance  ? 
With  sincere  esteem  and  devotion, 

Your  obedient, 

MOLTKE. 


Letters  to  the  General  of  the  Cavahy, 
Von  Tnmpling-. 

General  yon  Tümpling,  from  186G  to  1883  Commanding- 
General  of  the  Sixth  Army  Corps  (died  1884),  was  from  1842 
to  1848  Captain  in  the  General  Staff  of  the  8th  Army  Corps 
at  Coblentz.  When  Moltke  returned  from  Rome  in  1846,  he 
too  was  attached  to  the  General  Staff  of  the  Eighth  Army 
Corps,  and  the  two  years  that  they  spent  together  at  Coblentz 
strengthened  their  friendship.  His  son,  Herr  Legationrath  v. 
Tümpling,  at  Thalstein,  near  Jena,  has  kindly  put  these  letters 
at  our  disposal. 

Berlin,  January  28tli,  1869. 
I  thank  you,  clear  Tümpling,  very  sincerely  for 
your  sympathy  in  my  trouble.  I  know  that  the 
kind  words  you  sent  me,  sprang  from  a  truly 
sympathizing  heart.  You  had  known  my  wife 
for  a  long  time,  you  also  knew  her  open,  simple 
character,  her  cheerfulness  and  her  firm  trust  in 
God's  providence  ;  all  these  qualities  have  been 
for  twenty-seven  years  the  joy  and  happiness  of 


236  Selections  from  Letters 

my  life.  She  was  taken  from  me  in  the  prime 
of  life,  and,  apparently,  of  health,  proud  of  her 
country  and  her  king,  and  full  of  sympathy  with 
all  mankind.  Her  life  though  short  was  as  happy 
as  is  possible  here  on  earth,  and  I  would  not 
call  her  back.  1  also  thank  your  wife  heartily  for 
her  sympathy,  and  ask  you  to  remember  your 
truly  devoted, 

MOLTKE. 


Versailles,  Nov.  3rd,  1870. 
Much  honoured  Friend, 

I  thank  you  sincerely  for  your  kind  wishes,' 
and  especially  for  your  kind  thought  of  my  poor 
wife  in  the  midst  of  the  grand  successes  of  our 
war.  If  the  Lord  is  going  to  grant  us  a  speedy 
and  victorious  return  home,  she  will  not  meet  me 
at  the  station,  as  she  did  after  the  last  war,  rejoic- 
ing proudly  in  the  feats  of  our  Army.  I  can  no 
longer  share  the  many  scarcely  deserved  rewards 
which  I  am  receiving  with  her  who  was  so  patriotic 
and  brave,  but  I  thank  God  that  He  has  allowed 

'  For  his  birthday. 


To  His  Friends.  237 

me  to  live  through  this  great  period,  and  I  hope 
that  we  shall  finish  gloriously,  what  we  have 
begun  so  successfully. 

The  present  negotiations  with  M.  Thiers  cannot 
lead  to  any  result.  These  haughty,  infatuated 
Frenchmen  must  be  humiliated  much  more 
before  they  will  listen  to  reason.  There  are 
means  enough  and  more  than  enough  since  the 
fall  of  Metz,  but  time  is  needed  for  them  to  take 
effect.  But  already  the  Fourth  division  is  forming 
the  reserve,  and  the  Third  will  foUow  immediately 
by  rail.  Prince  Frederick  Charles  will  arrive  at 
Commercy  to-day,  and  also  the  head  of  the  first 
Army  under  ManteufFel  has  begun  to  advance. 

The  news  from  Paris  leaves  no  doubt  that  an 
opposition  Government  has  been  set  up  there  by  a 
revolt,  and  that  M.  Trochu  has  been  dismissed. 

With  best  love, 

MOLTKE. 


Selections  from  Letters  to  the  Oberhof- 
prediger  Schaubach  at  Meiningen. 

Court  Chaplain  Schaubacii  was  from  1854  to  1856  tutor  to 
the  eldest  sous  of  the  Field-Marshal's  younger  brother,  Adolf 
von  Moltke,  Eoyal  Danish  Chamberlain  and  Administrator  of 
the  county  of  Kantzau  in  Holstein. 

He  gives  the  following  account  of  his  relations  with  the 
Field-Marshal. 

Meiningen,  June  22,  1891. 

My  first  meeting  with  the  General-Field-Marshal  took  place 
at  six  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  25th  of  October,  1856, 
at  the  station  of  Elmshorn  in  Holstein. 

The  Major- General,  then  fifty-six  years  old,  came  from 
Flensburg,  where  he  had  just  paid  a  visit  to  his  brother,  the 
retired  Koyal  Danish  Major  Friedrich  von  Moltke,  and  had 
come  to  spend  his  birthday  at  Eantzau  with  his  brother  Adolf 
von  Moltke,  the  excellent  Jurist  and  Administrator  of  the 
county  of  Kantzau. 

I  was  to  meet  the  General,  as  yet  unknown  to  me,  with  my 
pupils,  "Wilhelm  and  Helmuth,  and  we  were  to  take  him 
to  Kantzau  in  the  carriage  drawn  by  two  fiery  white  horses. 
The  train  arrived  ;  a  slim,  tall  and  striking  military  figure  in 
Prussian  uniform  quickly  left  the  railway  carriage.  After  the 
introduction  to  me  and  the  hearty  greetings  of  his  two  nephews, 
no  one  will  be  astonished  to  hear,  that  I  was  extremely  sur- 
prised by  this  quiet,  simple-looking   gentleman  putting  the 


Selections  from  Letters,  Etc.    239 

following  question  to  me,  so  striking  in  the  mouth  of  an  officer, 
"  Were  the  horses  safe  ? "  Upon  my  assuring  him  that  they 
might  be  considered  quite  safe  in  the  hands  of  the  clever 
coachman^  though  they  were  fiery  animals,  he  said  to  me  in  a 
winning  amiable  way,  yet  Avith  decision  :  "  In  that  case,  I 
should  like  to  propose  to  you  that  the  two  boys  should  drive 
on  to  annoimce  my  arrival  at  home,  while  we  Avalk  the  four  or 
five  miles," 

As  I  could  not  possibly  delude  myself  into  believing  that 
this  walk  on  a  dark  evening  was  preferred  to  a  drive  "  on 
account  of  my  beautiful  eyes,"  it  was  natural  to  think  that  the 
General  had  become  tired  of  driving,  and  that  he  therefore 
preferred  walking. 

But  as  soon  as  the  carriage  had  rolled  away,  his  reasons 
became  evident.  With  a  certain  terseness,  but  very  kindly, 
he  began  the  conversation:  "You  come  from  Meiningen?" 
"Yes."  "Then  I  suppose  you  are  connected  with  Adolf 
Shaubach,  who  Avrote  the  book  about  the  German  Alps  1 " 
"Yes,  he  was  my  father's  brother."  ""Was?"  "lam  sorry 
to  say  that  he  died  six  years  ago."  "  It  distresses  me 
very  much  to  hear  that.  Please  tell  me  all  you  know  of  his 
life  ;  he  must  have  been  an  excellent  man."  I  did  so  ;  and 
the  remarks  which  the  Field-Marshal  made  in  the  course  of 
the  conversation  were  a  proof  of  how  he  had  absorbed  the 
book,  and  how  he  had  thought  about  it,  in  a  way  which  put 
me  to  shame. 

At  the  conclusion  of  this  conversation  the  quiet,  earnest  and 
conscientious  man  began  to  question  me  about  the  two  boys, 
my  plan  of  instruction,  and  my  own  education  with  so  much 
tact  and  yet  so  thoroughly  that  I  could  not  rid  myself  of  the 
impression  that  the  most  ideal  of  school-governors  could  not 
more  cleverly  call  forth  the  innermost  feelings  of  a  candidate 
he  has  to  examine  for  the  office  of  schoolmaster.  Not  a  word 
of  praise  or  of  blame  passed  his  lips,  yet  I  soon  experienced, 


240  Selections  from  Letters 

and  continued  to  experience  to  the  end  of  his  life  with  in- 
delible gratitude,  how  clearly  and  charitably  the  celebrated 
man  judged  the  thoughts  and  endeavours  of  the  young  tutor 
of  whom  he  never  lost  sight  again. 

Two  things  that  happened  on  the  following  day,  his  birth- 
day, have  specially  remained  in  my  memory. 

At  dinner,  to  which  several  other  guests  were  invited  in 
honour  of  the  day,  through  the  remarks  of  a  retired  officer,  the 
conversation  turned  upon  the  usefulness  of  the  so-called  Senner- 
horses  wliich  are  bred  in  the  principality  of  Lippe.  The 
General's  first  quiet  reply  was  :  '^  I  do  not  know  much  about 
the  matter,"  but  soon  after  he  said,  in  answer  to  the  remarks  of 
others,  with  that  obliging  manner  peculiar  to  him  :  "  That  cannot 
be  quite  right ;  "  and  then  he  gave  such  a  comprehensive  and 
clear  opinion  about  tliose  horses  that  I  involuntarily  said  to 
myself  after  his  explanation,  though  I  had  no  technical  know- 
ledge on  the  matter  :  **  Any  other  man  who  had  known  so  much 
about  the  subject  would  have  believed  himself  particularly 
fitted  by  God  for  this  line  of  life,  and  breaking  through  every 
hindrance  would  take  the  lead  of  the  whole  horse-breeding  of 
the  present  time." 

Another  trait^  though  seemingly  insignificant,  shows  the 
General's  reverent  turn  of  mind.  After  dinner,  though  his  time 
was  but  short,  he  drove  for  several  hours  over  a  moor  to  look 
up  tlie  clergyman  at  Hohenfelde,  who  was  then  ninety  years  old, 
and  in  whose  house  he  had  lived  some  time  when  a  boy.  The 
brothers  did  not  return  till  night. 

On  August  22nd,  1868,  the  Chief  of  the  General  Staff  of  the 
Army  arrived  at  Meiningen  with  numerous  officers  from  the 
campaign  on  the  Maine  in  18G6.  The  following  morning, 
the  eleventh  Sunday  after  Trinity,  he  went  unnoticed  to 
the  Schlosskirche,  where  I  was  preaching  ;  after  service  he 
waited  for  me  at  the  church  door  to  accompany  me  home,  to  the 
great  surprise  of  my  congregation.     In  one  of  his  letters  to  me, 


To   His   Friends.  241 

he  -who  searched  in  his  sincere  and  straightforward  manner  for 
the  truth  of  the  holiest  things  spoke  ahout  the  sermon  1  had 
preached  that  day,  and  with  a  quotation  from  a  letter  of  his, 
written  to  me  on  October  26th,  1880,  the  Army  Chaplain, 
Provost  D.  Richter,  ended  his  sermon  at  the  Field-Marshal's 
funeral.  In  this  letter  the  richness  of  a  pure  and  simple 
Christian  heart  is  revealed  in  a  way,  peculiar  to  him,  which 
touches  every  heart. 

Berlin,  Nov.  10th,  1875. 
Much  honoured  Court  Chaplain, 

An  influenza  cold,  which  kept  me  in  bed  a 
fortnight,  has  prevented  my  answering  your  kind 
letter  of  the  25th  of  last  month  sooner.  I  thank 
you  heartily  for  your  congratulations,  and  for  keep- 
ing a  true  and  kind  remembrance  of  me.  Your 
letters  are  always  a  great  pleasure  to  me,  they 
allow  me  a  glance  into  a  mind  which,  in  spite  of 
grievous  trials,  has  kept  its  inward  peace,  and 
has  found  the  support  of  life  where  alone  it  can  be 
found.  My  nephew  Wilhelm,  your  former  pupil, 
has  grown  into  an  able,  steady  man  ;  you  Avill  be 
pleased  with  him  when  you  meet  him  again.  He 
is  very  happy  in  his  married  life,  and  much  pleased 
with  a  little  daughter  that  has  been  born  to  them. 
I  look  upon  him  as  the  head  and  supporter  of  our 
family  when  I  am  gone,  which  time,  according  to 


242  Selections  from  Letters 

the  course  of  nature,  cannot  be  very  far  off.     With 
much  love,  I  remain. 

Your  truly  devoted. 

Count  Moltke. 

Creisau,  Oct.  27th,  1876. 
Much  honoured  Sir, 

Witli  all  my  heart  I  thank  you  for  having 
remembered  my  birthday  again  this  year.  Will 
you  noAv  accept  my  best  wishes  for  your  o^^^l, 
which  is  only  one  day  before  mine  ?  I  am  glad  to 
hear  that  in  your  parochial  work  you  find  a  recom- 
pense for  many  misfortunes,  and  that  you  are  re- 
warded by  gaining  the  affection  of  those  whose 
eyes  you  have  opened  to  real  Christian,  but  largo- 
minded,  views,  as  I  believe  you  said  in  a  sermon 
that  I  heard  you  preach  at  Meiningen,  which 
went  to  my  heart  and  touched  me  much. 

.  .  .  My  brother  Adolfs  four  giants  are  all  over 
six  feet  high,  and  have  gro^vn  into  strong  and 
capable  men  who  do  credit  to  your  education. 

With  best  wishes,  I  remain  in  sincere  esteem, 
Yours,  Count  Moltke, 

Field-Marshal. 


To  His  Friends.  243 

Not  dated. 

Much  honoured  Sir, 

It  is  very  good  of  you  to  remember  my 
birthday  so  kindly,  and  I  thank  you  heartily  for 
your  good  wishes  and  kind  sentiment  towards  me. 
It  is  a  particular  pleasure  for  me  to  hear  from  you, 
who  have  had  so  many  and  such  early  connections 
with  our  family.  You  too,  have  had  much  trouble 
since  we  met  last  time  at  Rantzau,  but  you  have 
taken  it  as  God's  Providence,  having  received  from 
Him  strength  to  bear  it.  It  must  be  a  great  satis- 
faction to  you  to  know  that  you  have  done  good 
even  under  difficult  circumstances,  and  this  feeling 
must  strengthen  and  support  you,  even  where  your 
good  Avork  has  not  been  crowned  by  public  success. 
If  one  remembers  how  little  of  such  success  is  due 
to  oneself,  but  that  God  works  through  the  weak, 
it  must  teach  one  humility.  Your  former  pupils, 
my  brother  Adolfs  sons,  are  well.  .  .  .  God's 
blessing  evidently  rests  on  the  children  of  such 
an  excellent  father.  Judging  by  the  one  sermon 
which  I  heard  from  you  years  ago,  and  which  has 
always  remained  in    my    memory,  I   shaU  have 

R  2 


2z] 4  Selections  from  Letters 

iiuicli   pleasure    in   reading  the   one  you  promise 
me. 

With  esteem,  yours  sincerely, 

Count  Moltke. 

The  following  verses  on  IMoltke's  eightieth 
birthday,  were  sent  him  hy  the  Oberhofprediger 
Schaubach : — 

£)b  unfer  Ccbcn  biS  ju  fiebjig  Satiffn^ 
Sßcnn'S  1)0(1)  !ommt/  biS  ju  adjt^xQ  fteigt  j 
Unb  ob  eS  rcid)  an  6t)rcn  unb  ©efabren, 
£)b'6  lautloS/  ungcfannt  jum  &vab  fid)  neigt, 
SSom  tcillicl)  rctd)ften  Ccben  flet)t  ^u  k\in, 
^a^  eg  DoU  SOJttt)'  unb  ^(rbcit  i|t  geirefcn. 

Unb  bennod)/  bcnnorf)  gilt  c6,  ot)ne  5IBanEen 

3n  niül)CDoUcr/  Preitbeaiegter  2Bc(t/ 

©ctroft  unb  frol)  au§  ticffter  <£ecle  banfen 

^cm,  bet  t)infin  in  93Jüt)'  unb  2Cibcit  ung  gcflollt/ 

■Ißcil/  ob  burd)  ®lürt  unb  ed)mcrj  bie  23at}n  fid)  rccnbct/ 

£)a6  Äöntid)c  in  9:)iüt)cn  [id)  uoUcnbct. 

S)i^  t)at  ^cin  cnj'ger  Äönig  rcid)  gefrgnet, 
25e6  ©cifteg  ®d)affcn  mit  bcm  ©ieg  gefiönii 
S)u  ftebft,  ttjif  jät)er  S'd)mcvj  2)ir  aud)  begegnet, 
3ni  gricbcn  ®ottcg  ba,  bcm  (Sd)merj  üciföbnt. 
ffion  deinem  £ebcn  aber  icirb  Sein  23ol!  f^etg  lefen: 
//Siet)' !  !cpiid)  9Mi)'  unb  2ftbcit  ifl'6  gen?c[cn." 

Moltke  replied  as  foUoAvs  : — 

Berlin,  Oct.  27th,  1880. 
Much  honoured  Herr  Hofprediger, 

My  best  thanks  for  your  beautiful,  warm- 


To  His  Friends.  245 

hearted  verses.  You  are  right,  full  of  toil  and 
work  mv  life  has  been  and  yours  too.  I  am  near 
the  end  of  my  days,  and  on  what  a  different  scale 
will  oiu"  earthly  work  he  Aveighed  in  the  future 
world  !  The  value  of  our  life  on  earth  will  not  he 
judged  by  the  success,  but  l^y  the  purity  of  our 
endeavours  and  our  perseverance  even  where 
there  was  no  great  visible  result.  What  a  strange 
change  will  then  take  place  at  the  great  review  of 
rich  and  poor.  We  ourselves  do  not  even  know 
what  we  have  done  in  our  own  strength,  how 
much  we  owe  to  others  and  how  much  to  a  higher 
will.  It  will  be  good  not  to  put  too  much  to  our 
own  account. 

It  will  interest  you  to  hear,  if  you  have  not 
done  so  already,  that  Wilhelm's  wife  has  been  con- 
fined of  another  boy,  who  is  called  the  "  Reserve 
boy."  I  know  that  you  watch  any  event  in  my 
brother  Adolf's  life  with  the  old  interest.  At 
Helmuth's  the  same  event  is  expected  very  soon. 
Fritz  is  studying  the  profession  of  a  Landrath  at 
Stendal ;  he  is  an  excellent,  able  man  ;  and  Ludwig 
manages  my  estate  in  Silesia ;  he  is  very  successful, 
and  I  am  much  pleased  witli  him.     ^larie  has  been 


246         Selections  from  Letters,  Etc. 

offered  the  position  of  Lady-in-waiting  to  the 
i'uture  Princess  Wilhelm  of  Prussia,  and  Luise  Avill 
at  present  be  the  only  one  to  remain  with  her 
mother  in  the  country.  I  am  sure  you  are  pleased 
with  tlic  lovely  hereditary  Princess  of  Meiningen. 
Now  I  must  conclude  with  best  wishes,  and  the 
request  furthermore  to  keep  me  in  kind  remem- 
brance. 

With  sincere  and  high  esteem, 

Your, 

Count  Moltke. 


Selections  from  Letters  to  the  Private 
Councillor  of  Finances,  Scheller. 

The  rield-Marshal's  acquaintance  ■with  Private  Councillor 
Scheller  dates  from  his  life  at  Magdeburg.  Scheller  was  Stadt, 
rath  there,  and  lived  in  the  same  house  Avith  Moltke,  who  was 
then  Chief  of  the  4th  Army  Corps.  They  had  a  common 
interest  in  the  events  of  the  years  1848  and  1849  ;  they  were 
drawn  into  closer  relationship  which  ended  in  a  firm  friendship. 
In  1851  Scheller  was  moved  into  the  ministry  of  commerce  as 
"  vortragender  Rath ;  "  later  on  he  was  engaged  as  Private  Coun- 
cillor of  the  Finances  in  the  Marine  Department.  The  intimate 
intercourse  between  Moltke  and  himself  continued  up  to  his 
death  in  1883  ;  he  and  also  General  von  Gliszinski  used  to  be 
regular  players  at  the  Field-Marshal's  evening  whist  parties. 

The  Field-Marshal  always  felt  very  thankful  to  Scheller  for 
the  advice  and  help  which  the  latter  gave  him  as  to  the  in- 
vestment of  the  grant  made  to  him  by  the  State. 


Ferneres,  near  Paris, 
Sept.  29tli,  1870. 
Honoured  Sju, 

I   have    several   times   troubled   you  with 
requests  and  commissions,  and  have  not  even  taken 


248  Selections  from  Letters 

an   opportunity  of  tliauking   you    for   your  kind 
liolp.   .   .  . 

One  half  of  the  French  army  lias  been  taken 
])rist)ner,  the  other  has  been  shut  up  at  Metz  and 
Paris,  in  the  former  place  for  six  weeks,  here  for 
one  Aveek,  and  we  must  now  wait  to  see  how  long 
matters  will  remain  as  they  are.  The  condition 
of  France  meanwhile  can  only  become  worse,  if 
the  other  Powers  do  not  interpose,  which  they 
Avould  scarcely  do  in  favour  of  the  Republic.  Peace 
is  desirable  in  the  interest  of  everybody;  but  where 
is  France  ?  With  whom  are  we  to  treat  ?  The 
elections  which  were  to  have  taken  place  on  the 
2nd  of  next  month  have  been  adjourned.  Then 
the  country  would  have  been  properly  represented. 
The  elections  would  have  been  made  without  the 
influence  of  government  officials,  without  the  pre- 
dominance of  the  capital,  for  we  should  not  have 
allowed  their  representatives  to  leave  Paris.  The 
wealthy  classes,  the  country  population,  would,  for 
once,  have  had  a  hearing,  but  that  is  just  what  is 
not  wanted  in  Paris.  We  must  let  the  volcano 
burn  out  l)y  itself.  Meanwhile  we  have  taken 
Toul  and  Strasburg,  and  shall  now  attack  Soissons 


To  His  Friends.  249 

and  Bolfort,     Our  God  has  been  with  us  and  will 
be  with  us  in  future,  we  hope. 

I  trust  your  son  has  been  sent  with  the  reserve 
troops,  and  that  he  will  have  the  opportunity  of 
sharing  in  the  latter  part  of  the  campaign. 

My  three  nephews  are  all  well,  God  be  thanked, 
though  the  7th  regiment  has  lost  a  great  many 
men.  Altoo-ether  how  much  mouminoj  there  is 
mixed  with  the  joy  of  victory  ! 

With  kind  regards  to  your  wife,  and  best  love  to 
Gliszinski  when  you  see  him, 

Faithfully  your, 

Mor.TKE. 


Versailles,  Oct.  11th,  1870. 
Honoured  Sir, 

I  am  sincerely  grateful  to  you  foi*  your 
kindness  in  looking  after  my  money  affairs,  for 
which  I  have  no  time.  .  .  . 

I  can  well  imagine  what  pleasure  the  news  of 
our  successes,  won  Avith  God's  aid,  give  you;  even 
when  vou  lived  at  Mao-deburo;,  when  times  were 
bad,  you  stood  firm  and  faithful  on  the  side  of 


250  Selections  from  Letters 

king  and  fatherland.  Oh,  if  my  wife  could  have 
li\'ed  through  these  times,  how  would  her  patriotic, 
brave  heart  have  rejoiced.  She  will  not  meet  me  at 
the  station  as  she  did  on  my  return  in  186G  ;  but 
I  think  the  departed  are  not  so  far  away  from  this 
world  that  they  can  no  longer  feel  with  us.  Indeed 
it  is  God's  judgment  that  is  punishing  this  haughty 
French  nation.  They  are  not  humiliated  yet, 
nmc'li  remains  still  for  us  to  do.  In  Berlin  too, 
they  will  have  to  be  patient.  It  takes  a  long  time 
to  starve  out  a  garrison,  as  Metz  has  shown,  and  it 
is  not  an  easy  thing  to  transport  about  5000  tons 
of  siege  battery  on  a  newly  constructed  single  line, 
on  which,  at  the  same  time,  reinforcements  and 
victuals  have  to  be  conveyed.  Meanwhile  we  can 
keep  the  impatient  provided  with  news  :  just  now 
there  is  the  occupation  of  Orleans,  and  let  us  hope 
soon  the  flight  of  the  government  from  Tours.  .  .  . 
The  cavalry  has  continual  little  skirmishes  with 
the  "  franc  voleurs,"  which,  of  course,  cause  con- 
stant loss  of  human  lives.  It  is  a  pity  tliat  any 
more  lives  should  he  lost  now  that  the  fate  of  the 
war  is  decided. 

Every  day  sixty  to  eighty  grenades   of  heavy 


To  His  Friends.  251 

calibre  are  fired  from  the  forts  at  a  distance  of  6000 
or  even  8000  paces,  at  haphazard,  in  the  direction 
of  our  outposts.  In  this  way  six  to  eight  men  are 
wounded  every  day.  This  cannot  affect  in  the 
slightest  degree  the  decision  of  the  war,  and  is 
extremely  expensive. 

The  whole  situation  could  not  be  better  described 
than  it  is  in  a  letter  from  a  very  sensible  French 
officer  to  the  Gaidois,  which  you  will  soon  see  in 
one  of  the  numbers  of  our  Berlin  papers.  .  .  . 

Thanking  you  again  for  all  your  kindness,  and 
with  kind  remembrances  to  yourself  and  your  wife 
and  best  love  to  our  friend  Gliszinski, 

I  remain  faithfully, 
Yours, 

MOLTKE. 

"Versailles,  Dec.  18th,  1870. 
Honoured  Sir, 

.  .  .  The  twelfth  dragoons  have  had  hard 

work,  and  as  your  son  has  happily  escaped,  you  have 

reason  to  be  very  thankful.     Such  an  experience 

is  not  soon  forgotten,  and  must  add  to   a  young 

man's  efficiency  for  the  work  of  his  future  life.     I. 


252  Selections  from  Letters 

liavc  reason  to  believe  that  the  regiment  will  have 
some  rest  at  Orleans,  the  troo})s  are  much  in  need 
of  it  after  their  continued  marching-  and  fighting. 
General  Chanzy  is  put  down  for  a  time,  hut 
Bourbaki  may  reappear  on  tlie  right  bank  of  the 
Loire.  That  will,  however,  take  a  little  time,  and 
meanwhile  rats  will  become  scarcer  and  scarcer 
in  Paris. 

From  the  papers  and  from  letters  I  see  that  it 
is  believed  at  home,  that  the  reason  Ave  do  not 
answer  the  hostile  firing  is  out  of  regard  for  Paris, 
or  even  l^ccause  of  the  influence  of  people  of  rank. 
That  is  l)y  no  means  correct ;  all  that  is  thought 
serviceable  and  possible  is  done.  Surely  we  do 
not  Avant  to  Avait  here  any  longer  than  is 
necessary. 

HoAv  long  this  terri])lo  Avar  Avill  continue  and 
AAäth  Avliom  Ave  shall  in  the  end  have  to  treat, 
nobody  hei'c  or  at  home  can  tell.  A  Avliole 
nation  under  arms  is  not  to  be  underrated.  It  is 
possible  tliat  Ave  may  have  a  million  against  us 
after  the  Ncav  Year  ;  but  in  the  o})en  field  Ave  hope 
to  defeat  c\'ery  hostile  army,  and  in  the  course  of 
time    even   the    richest   country   Avould    succumb 


To  His  Friends.  253 

under  the  burdens  imposed  by  the  present  reign 
of  terror  of  the  French  rulers. 

With   best   thanks    for   all    your   trouble,    and 
kindest  regards  to  your  wife,  Faithfully  your, 

MOLTKE. 


Versailles,  February  1st,  1871. 
Honoured  Sir, 

.  ,  .  You  will  have  learnt  from  the  jDapers 
that  all  the  Parisian  forts  are  in  our  hands.  To- 
day I  have  looked  at  Paris  from  Mount  Valerien. 
The  city  is  now  nothing  more  to  us  than  a  large 
prison  of  a  captured  Army.  It  would  have  been 
impossible  to  bring  this  army  to  Germany 
to  be  fed  and  housed.  So  they  are  shut  up 
in  Paris.  Faidherbe  has  been  driven  to  the 
north,  Chanzy  to  the  west,  and  I  hope  that  to- 
day or  to-morrow  the  Army  of  Bourbaki  will  be 
repulsed  to  Swiss  territory.  Another  captured 
army  would  be  a  real  calamity  for  us.  In  three 
weeks'  time  there  Avill  be  a  new  Government, 
which  will  be  recognized  by  France  and  with 
which  we  shall  be  able  to  treat ;  and  as  matters 


254  Selections  from  Letters,  Etc. 

stand,  one  would  think  that  they  would  be  inclined 
to  make  peace.  But  one  never  knows  what  the 
French  are  going  to  do,  they  like  nothing  better 
than  fine  phrases,  and  a  dozen  orators  move  an 
assembly  to  take  the  maddest  resolutions.  But 
I  am  convinced  that  this  campaign  will  cure 
Europe  for  a  long  time  to  come  of  the  fancy  for 
republics.  The  present  Republic  has  lost  one-fifth 
of  French  territory  and  a  dozen  fortresses,  has 
sacrificed  100,000  men,  devastated  the  capital, 
ruined  the  finances  and,  notwithstanding,  missed 
its  aim.  Trochu  also  cannot  be  acquitted  from 
all  blame  in  this  disaster,  though  I  esteem  him 
as  an  able,  honest  man. 

I  have  no  special  news  about  your  George,  but 
he,  too,  will  profit  by  the  truce.  .  .  . 

With  kindest  regards  to  your  wife. 

Your  grateful  and  devoted, 

MOLTKE. 


III. 

Occasional  Correspondence. 


ON   RELIGIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

Pastor    Baum  Ann,    Secretary   of   the    Evangelical    Alliance, 
sent  the   rules  of  this  society  and   information  about  it   ou 

May  1st,  1878. 

(Answer.) 

Creisau,  May  10th,  1878. 

Much   honoured    Herr  Pastor, 

I  cannot  but  approve  of  the  endeavours  to 
unite  the  different  parties  of  the  Evangelical 
Church,  but  I  am  afraid  that  the  common  ground, 
so  sharply  defined  by  the  new  tenets  of  the 
Evangelical  Union,  will  be  too  narrow  for  this 
purpose. 

There  are  great  numbers  who  honestly  seek  for 
truth,  but  as  yet  they  have  not  attained  that 
knowledge  which,  according  to  your  regulations, 
is  the  necessary  and  right  way. 

The  rules,  however,  very  likely  express  the 
right  23oint  of  view  for  an  Evangelical  ecclesiastic. 
But  those  who   cannot  honestly  assert  that  these 

s 


25 S  Selkctions  from  Letters. 

views  correspond  -witli  tlicir  iDmost  convictions, 
slioiild  not  on  that  account  be  called  infidels  or 
doiiljters. 

I  myself  belong  to  this  class,  and  must  for  these 
reasons  decline  to  join  the  Committee  of  the 
German  branch  of  the  Evangelical  Union. 

Thanking  you  sincerely  for  the  confidence  you 
so  kindly  placed  in  me,  I  remain,  with  special 
esteem, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
Count  Moltke. 


EDUCATION. 

An  eminent  man  occupying  an  influential  position,  had  sent 
a  pamphlet  of  a  friend  of  his,  entitled,  "  Education  for  the 
Military  Service,"  by  Dr.  H.  Stiirenberg,  now  Eector  of  the 
School  of  the  Holy  Cross  at  Dresden,  to  the  Field-Marshal- 
In  this  paper  the  author,  an  expert  and  also  an  experienced 
soldier,  states  his  views  in  an  unprejudiced  manner  about  the 
importance  of  gymnastics  and  bodily  exercise  for  education. 

{Answer. ) 

Berlin,  May  18th,  1878. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  kind 
letter,  dated  April  17th,  and  I  also  thank  you  for 
the  copies  of  the  pamphlet  entitled,  "  Education 
for  the  Military  Service,"  by  Dr.  Stiirenberg  of 
Leipsic. 

I  have  read  the  paper  with  great  interest.  It 
is  written  in  a  truly  patriotic  spirit,  and  shows 
that  the  author  must  be  a  clever  man,  experienced 
in  war,  who  advocates  that  while  the  training  at 
school  should  provide  the  pupil  -with  knowledge, 

s  2 


26o  Sklections  from   Letters. 

scientific  cducutiuii,  and  mond  priricii)lcs,  tlie 
service  in  the  xVrniy  should  accustom  him  to 
discipline,  obedience, 'self-denial,  and  pt-ovide  him 
with  the  technical  knowledge  necessary  for  a 
soldier.  lie  distinguishes  clearly  between  physical 
development  through  gyiuiiastics  and  other  bodily 
exercises,  a  necessary  preparation  for  the  service 
in  the  Army,  and  the  much  overrated  exercises 
and  games  with  the  gun  which,  in  the  popular 
view,  would  allow  the  time  of  service  to  be 
shortened. 

In  this  respect  he  refutes  very  strikingly  different 
superficial  views  on  the  subject ;  and  he  also 
shows  in  the  comparison  of  the  Spartan  and 
Athenian  education,  what  is  the  result  of  an 
education  which  subordinates  the  whole  life  to  the 
one  purpose,  the  military  service  of  a  nation. 

I  sincerely  hope  that  this  paper  may  iiiid  an 
extensive  circle  of  readers. 

With  highest  esteem, 

I  am,  yours  faithfull}'. 

Count  Moltke, 
Field-Marshal. 


Education.  261 

.  Herr  Kiydt,  master  at  Ratzcburg,  had  sent  on  Oct.  11th, 
1890,  a  paper  written  by  him  about  the  education  of  the 
young  in  Germany. 


(Ansicer.) 

Creisau,  Oct.  13tli,  1890. 

Honoured  Sir, 

Yoii  have  had  the  kindness  to  send  me 
your  newest  pamphlet,  -which  I  have  read  with 
the  same  interest  as  the  former. 

Indeed,  the  principal  thing  at  school  is  not  what 
the  boys  learn,  but  rather  how  their  minds  are 
trained. 

I  believe  that  greater  attention  has  been  paid 
to  physical  training  through  gymnastics  and 
games,  since  the  publication  of  the  Imperial  decree 
which  refers  to  these  subjects.  My  Avish  isthat 
by  implanting  a  patriotic  mind  in  the  child,  every 
boy  should  be  provided  with  a  kind  of  safe- 
conduct  for  the  period  between  his  1 6th  and  his  2 1  st 
year,  fi-om  the  time  when  he  leaves  school  to  the 
time  of  his  entrance  into  the  great  e^lucational 
institution,  the  Army.  My  Avish  is  that  they 
should  be  able  to  see  clearly  the  senselessness  and 
mischievousness   of  the  democratic  socialism  into 


262  Selections  from  Letters. 

which,    as   experience  shows,    they  are    only  too 
easily  dra"\\Ti  duriiiij;  this  dangerous  period  of  life. 

Wliat  pleases  me  especially  in  the  English  edu- 
cation is,  that,  as  you  say,  lying  is  not  only  con- 
sidered wrong,  but  a  dishonour  and  ungentle- 
manly. 

I  thank  you  very  mucli  for  your  kind  informa- 
tion, and  at  the  same  time  for  your  good  -wishes 
for  my  birthday,  and  remain, 

Faithfully  yours. 

Count  Moltke, 

Field-Marshal. 


Mr.  Ernest  W.  Smith,  Editor  of  the  "  Revue  des  Revues," 
asks,  by  sending  a  paper  with  questions,  which  authors  Moltko 
preferred  most  : — 

{Answer.) 

Vos  AuTEURS  Favoris? 
Quels   livres   ont  ex-  ■       Littrow,     Les      mer- 


erce  le  plus  d'influence 
sur  vous  ? 

La  Bible. 
Homere,  Iliade. 


veilles  du  ciel. 

Lieb  ig,  Lettres  sur  la 
Chimie  agricole. 

Clausewitz,  Sur  la 
Guerre. 


Education. 


26' 


Quels  livres  relisez- 
vous  avec  le  plus  de 
plaisir  ? 

Schiller. 

Goethe. 


Shakespeare. 
AValter  Scott. 
Ranke,  Histoire. 
Treitschke. 
Garlyle. 


Berlin,  Nov.  nth,  1890.    ■ 
HoNouiiED  Sir, 

In  accordance  with  your  wish,  I  send  herc- 
Avith  a  list  of  those  books  which  I  believe  have 
influenced  my  way  of  thinking  most. 

I  remark  at  the  same  time  that  I  read  the 
"  Iliad  "  when  I  was  a  boy  of  nine  years  old,  so,  of 
course,  it  was  only  a  translation.  ■ 

Believe  me,  sir,  your  obedient  servant. 

Count  Moltke, 

Field-Marshal. 


CHARITY. 

Dr.  Sillem,  of    Hamburg,  proposes  to  found  homes  for  the 
disabled  soldiers  of  the  Frauco- German  war. 

(Answer.) 

Berlin,  March  31st,  1871. 

In  ansAver  to  your  kind  letter,  I  beg  to  say  that 
I  shall  have  much  pleasure  in  joining  my  co- 
citizens  of  Hamburg  ^  in  providing  for  our  disabled 
soldiers,  but  I  cannot  comj)letely  agree  with  the 
plan  proposed  by  you. 

The  requests  for  admission  into  the  Invalids'^ 
Homes  have  been  very  fcAv  since  the  last  wars. 
Those  Invalids  Avho  are  in  any  way  capable  of 
earning  something  can  make  better  use  of  their 
time,  their  strength  and  the  pension  which  they 
receive,  by  remaining  in  their  ovra  homes,  where 
they  are  more  comfortable  ;  those  who  are  quite 

'  Moltkft  had  been  made  an  honorary  citizen  of  Hamburg  on 
Felruary  Olli,  1871. 


Charity.  265 

unable  to  earn  any  money  usually  manage  to  pay 
their  families  i'or  their  keep  and  their  nursing  with 
their  pension.  For  those  few  who  cannot  obtain 
the  care  and  attention  that  they  need,  and  who  are 
incapable  of  earning  any  money,  the  existing  Homes 
for  Invalids  are  quite  sufficient. 

According  to  universal  experience,  the  best 
way  of  helping  invalids,  is  to  provide  them  with 
just  sufficient  money  to  keep  themselves.  The 
funds  of  these  Institutions  form  an  addition  to 
the  pensions  and  allowances  of  the  State,  and 
are  the  means  by  which  private  and  municipal 
subscriptions  can  best  be  utilized  for  disabled 
soldiers.  These  institutions  can  spend  their  funds 
by  allowing  pensions  (Crown  Prince  Institution 
]2,S'.  to  15,s\  per  month),  or  by  granting  small 
capitals  for  the  establishing  of  a  business  which 
would  contribute  to  the  support  of  a  family. 

Which  of  these  methods  would  be  preferable 
must  be  decided  every  time  in  each  individual 
case,  according  to  the  degree  of  capability  of  earn- 
ing his  livelihood,  which  the  candidate  shows. 

Most  of  the  invalids  belong  to  the  rural  popula- 
tion.    Instead  of  increasing  the  population  of  the 


266  Selections  from  Letters. 

towns  by  founding  establishments  for  tlieir  main- 
tenance, they  would  be  helped  best  by  the  pur- 
chase of  small  allotments.  Tliis  would  require 
considerable  means,  but  the  greater  part  might 
remain  as  mortgage  on  the  land  bought  for  this 
purpose.  The  obligation  of  the  owner  to  pay 
off  this  debt  in  small  instalments  would  have  si 
good  moral  effect. 

In  the  same  way  those  invalid  citizens  Avho 
have  carried  on  a  trade  might  be  helped  ])y  tlie 
outlay  of  a  little  capital,  Avhich  would  enable 
them  to  recommence  their  old  business. 

These  proposals  would  be  less  attractive  than 
the  building  of  a  home  for  invalids,  but  they  would 
give  back  to  society  working  hands  instead  of 
idle  consumers,  and  they  would  further  tlie 
material  well-being  and  the  moral  worth  of  those 
who  are  thus  supported, 

I  remain,  your  obedient, 

Count  Moltke. 


INTERNATIONAL    LAW,    POLITICS, 
WAR. 

Herr  Alfred  von  Moltke,  German-Consul  General  in  London, 
asks  the  Field-]Marshal  (on  May  27tli,  1874,)  to  become  one  of 
the  patrons  of  the  Universal  Alliance,  sending  him  at  the  same 
time  a  pamphlet  of  this  union,  in  which  a  diplomatic  convenr 
tion  to  ameliorate  the  fate  of  prisoners  of  war  is  proposed. 

(Antiwer.) 

Creisau,  June  2nd,  1874. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  27  th  of 

last  month,  and  beg  to  ask  you  to  be  kind  enough 

to  convey  my  thanks  to  Baron  von  Linden  and 

M.  Henry  Dunant  for  sending  the  "  projet  pouvant 

servir  de  base,  etc.,"  which  I  have  read  with  great 

interest.  > 

The  endeavour  to  make  the  prisoners  of  war  more 

comfortable  in  their  imprisonment  (since  it  must 

never  be  made  attractive)  is  very  praiseworthy,  and 

is  sure  to  find  much  sympatliy.     But  what  seems 

doubtful  to  me  is,  if  the  well-meant  terms  of  such 

an  agreement  would  be  kept  under  the  pressure 

of  war.     A  convention,   as  proposed,  concerning 

the  treatment  of  the  wounded,  already  existed  in 


268  Selections  from  Letters. 

1870,  notwithstanding  which  many  of  our  medical 
men  who  stayed  behind  to  tend  the  wounded 
French  were  led  off  as  prisoners. 

The  ^^projet  "  says  that  any  officer  "who  breaks 
liis  word  may  ]jc  punished  with  death.  Yes,  this 
is  all  right,  if  he  can  be  confronted  by  the  man  to 
whom  he  gave  his  word  of  honour.  But  what  if 
this  is  not  the  case,  and  his  OAvn  Government 
makes  him  a  General  ? 

We  have  treated  our  prisoners  (and  they  were 
whole  armies)  with  great  humanity,  but  ^VG  should 
never  have  agreed  to  place  them  under  the  protec- 
tion of  representatives  of  neutral  poAvers.  I  have 
some  scruples  about  some  of  the  projected  proposi- 
tions, and  in  my  position  I  am  afraid  I  must  decline 
the  honour  of  being  counted  one  of  the  patrons 
of  the  "  Universal  Alliance." 

I  am  very  pleased  tliat  this  matter  has  given 
me  the  pleasure  of  hearing  from  you,  and  I  hope 
that  your  official  Avork  gives  you  satisfaction. 
Requesting  you  to  remember  me  to  your  Avife, 

I  an:i,  yours  sincerely,  .  , 

Count  Moltke, 

Field-Marshal. 


International  Law,  Politics,  War.     269 

The  General  of  the  Cavalry,  von  Hartmann,  sends  a  pamphlet 
to  the  Field-Marshal  (on  February  6th,  1878),  in  which  the 
doctrinal  tendency  of  the  modern  rights  of  nations  and  the 
claims  of  military  realism  are  scientifically  treated. 

{Answer.) 

Berlin,  February  18th,  1878. 

I  beg  to  thank  Your  Excellency  sincerely  for  so 
kindly  sending  your  newest  pamphlet,  which  I 
have  read  with  great  interest. 

Everybody  who  knows  anything  about  war, 
will  be  of  your  opinion,  that  it  cannot  be  restricted 
by  narrow  fetters.  Its  terrors  can  only  be  lessened 
by  means  of  strict  discipline,  the  cultivation  of 
universal  morality,  and  the  individual  humanity 
resulting  from  progress  made  in  this  direction. 

The  clever  and  thorough  treatment  of  the  subject 
will  contribute  towards  refuting  the  accusations 
which   have   been   raised  ai^ainst   the  warfare  of 

o 

1870-71,  though  there  were  no  generals  who  en- 
riched themselves  by  booty  as  in  former  campaigns, 
nor  cruelties  such  as  are  reported  from  the  present 
combat  in  the  East. 

I  am. 
Your  Excellency's  obedient, 

Count  Moltke. 


270     Selections  from  Letters. 

Herr  Kail  Friedrich  August  Ilauschild,  at  Herbergen  near 
Liebstadt,  in  Saxony,  relates  in  a  long  letter  of  February  2Gth, 
1879,  his  views  on  the  blessings  that  a  decrease  of  the  Army  in 
Germany  would  bring  to  the  country.  He  requests  the  Field- 
Marshal  to  influence  His  Majesty,  Emperor  William,  in  this 
respect. 


Not  dated,  Berlin,  the  beginning 


(Ansicer.) 

Not  date 

of  March,  1879. 
Honoured  Sir, 

Who  woukl  not  Avish  to  see  the  heavy  mili- 
tary burdens  diminished,  which  Germany  is 
obliged  to  bear  surrounded  as  she  is  by  the  most 
powerful  neighbours.  This  state  of  affairs  is  not 
the  wish  of  the  Princes  and  the  Governments,  but 
happier  circiunstances  cannot  be  expected  until  all 
nations  come  to  the  conviction  that  every  war, 
even  a  victorious  one,  is  a  national  misfortune. 

To  persuade  people  to  take  this  view,  even  tlie 
power  of  our  Emperor  would  not  avail ;  it  can  only 
arise  from  the  better  religious  and  moral  training 
of  nations,  which  again  must  be  a  fruit  of  centuries 
of  historical  development,  which  neither  of  us  will 

live  to  see. 

With  friendly  greeting. 

Count  Moltke. 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  THE    PROMOTION 
OF    PERMANENT   PEACE. 

Privy  Councillor  Professor  Dr.  Bluntschli  Avrites  : — 

Heidelberg,  November  19th,  1880. 

I  beg  to  send  Your  Excellency  herewith  some  copies  of  the 
Manual  *'  Les  Lois  de  la  Guerre  sur  terre,"  which  has  been 
Avritten  and  published  by  the  Society  for  the  Maintenance  of 
International  Rights,  in  accordance  with  the  Brussels  Declara- 
tion, and  orders  recently  given  in  some  European  States 
and  scientific  literature.  The  endeavour  of  the  Manual  has 
been  to  bring  the  exercises  and  the  interests  of  the  Army 
into  harmony  with  the  necessary  principles  of  right  and  the  re- 
quirements of  the  civil  world,  and  to  explain  martial  law 
in  a  manner  which  may  be  understood  by  the  simple-minded 
private  and  the  common  workman,  yet  in  a  correct  and  com- 
prehensible form. 

The  undersigned,  as  also  the  reporter  and  the  other  members 
of  the  Society  for  the  Maintenance  of  International  Rights, 
Avould  be  much  gratified  if  the  little  work,  which  is  in- 
tended for  practical  use,  were  to  meet  with  Your  Excellency's 
approval. 

With  most  distinguished  esteem, 

I  am,  your  obedient  servant, 

Professor  Bluntschli, 
Privy  Councillor. 


272  Selections  from  Letters. 

(Ansicer.) 

Berlin,  Dec.  lltli,  1880. 

Honoured    Herr  Geheimratif, 

You  have  been  kind  enough  to  send  me  the 
Manual  Avhich  the  Society  for  the  ]\Iaintenance  of 
International  Rights  has  published,  and  you  arc 
anxious  to  have  my  approval  of  it. 

I  perfectly  honour  the  charitable  endeavour  to 
lessen  the  suiferings  which  war  carries  in  its  train. 

Permanent  peace  is  a  dream  and  not  even  a 
beautiful  one,  and  war  is  a  law  of  God's  order  in 
the  world,  by  which  the  noblest  virtues  of  man, 
courage  and  self-denial,  loyalty  and  self-sacrifice, 
even  to  the  point  of  death,  are  developed.  With- 
out war  the  world  would  deteriorate  into  material- 
ism. I  perfectly  agree  with  that  sentence  of  the 
preface  which  announces  that  advancing  civiliza- 
tion will  also  improve  warfare,  l)ut  I  go  farther  in 
believing  that  it  alone,  and  not  a  codified  martial 
law,  will  1)0  able  to  attain  this  goal.  Every  law 
necessitates  an  authority  to  enforce  its  execution, 
and  with  international  agreements  there  is  no  such 
power.  What  State  would  take  up  arms,  be- 
cause one  or  both  of  the  Powers  engaged  in  war 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.      273 

have  violated  Les  Lois  de  la  Guerre  ?  There  is  no 
such  judge  on  earth.  Success,  in  this  case,  must 
be  the  result  of  the  religious  and  moral  training  of 
every  individual,  of  the  self-respect  and  sense  of 
justice  of  the  leaders,  who  are  a  law  unto  themselves, 
and  act  accordingly,  as  far  as  the  abnormal  cir- 
cumstances of  war  permit. 

And  surely  nobody  will  deny  that  in  proportion 
to  the  progress  of  morality  humanity  in  warfare 
has  increased. 

Only  compare  the  lawlessness  of  the  Thirty  Years' 
War  with  the  wars  of  our  times. 

One  important  step  that  has  been  made  during 
our  life-time  towards  reachino-  the  desired  g-oal 
is  the  introduction  of  a  universal  military  service 
which  has  brought  the  educated  classes  into  the 
Army.  Of  course  the  rough  and  violent  elements 
have  also  remained  in  it,  but  they  are  no  longer  the 
only  ones. 

Two  other  effectual  remedies  remain  in  the 
hands  of  Governments,  to  prevent  the  worst  abuses, 
namely,  strict  discipline,  also  to  be  maintained  in 
times  of  peace,  and  the  administrative  foresight 


T 


2  74  Selections  from  Letters. 

that  provides  for  the  victualling  of  the  troops 
during  a  campaign. 

Without  this  precaution  discipline  can  only 
be  maintained  in  a  very  limited  degree.  The 
soldier  "vvlio  endures  suiFering  and  want,  dan- 
ger and  exertion,  cannot  be  satisfied  '  en  pro- 
portion avec  les  ressources  du  pays,"  he  must 
have  everything  necessary  to  his  existence. 
One  must  not  expect  impossible  things  from 
him. 

The  greatest  kindness  in  war  is  a  quick  termina- 
tion, and  towards  this  end  all  means  must  be 
employed  that  are  not  actually  reprehensible.  I 
cannot  at  all  asrree  with  the  "  Declaration  de  St. 
Petersbourg  "  that  the  "  weakening  of  the  hostile 
-fighting  power  "  is  the  only  right  proceeding  in  a 
war.  No  ;  all  the  resources  of  the  hostile  Govern- 
ment must  be  aiFected,  her  finances,  railways, 
victuals,  even  her  prestige. 

With  such  energy,  and  yet  with  more  modera- 
tion than  ever  before,  the  last  war  against  France 
was  conducted.  In  the  course  of  two  months  the 
campaign  was  decided,  and  only  when  a  revolution- 
ary government  continued  it  for  four  months  to  the 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.       275 

ruin  of  her  o^vn  country,  did  the  fighting  adopt  an 
embittered  character. 

I  willingly  acknowledge  that  the  Manual  states 
in  clear  and  short  sentences,  the  necessities  of  war 
in  a  hio:her  deorree  than  has  ever  been  the  case  in 
former  attempts.  But  even  the  acknowledgment 
by  Governments  of  these  suggested  rules  would 
not  insure  their  execution.  It  is  a  universally 
recoo:nized  usao;e  of  war  not  to  fire  at  an  officer 

O  CD 

carrying  a  flag  of  truce,  and  yet  it  was  violated 
several  times  during  the  last  campaign. 

No  paragraph,  even  if  learnt  by  heart,  will  per- 
suade a  soldier  to  treat  as  a  regular  enemy  (§2 
ad  45)  an  unorganized  population  which  has  spon- 
taneously taken  up  arms,  and  from  which  he  is 
not  safe  a  moment  by  day  or  night. 

Some  demands  of  the  Manual  are  impossible,  for 
instance,  the  identifying  of  the  killed  after  the 
battle.  Other  regulations  would  need  grave 
consideration  if  the  insertions  "lorsque  les  cir- 
constances  le  permettent,  s'il  se  pent,  si  possible,  s'il 
y  a  necessite,  etc.,"  did  not  give  them  an  elasticity 
without  which  the  bitter  earnestness  of  reality 
would  break  the  chains  which  they  impose. 

T  2 


276  Selections  from  Letters. 

In  time  of  war,  when  every  circumstance  must 
be  looked  at  separately,  I  think  only  those  para- 
graphs will  bear  effect  which  refer  principally  to 
the  leaders.  And  what  is  said  in  the  Manual 
about  the  wounded,  the  sick,  the  medical  men  and 
sanitary  materials  comes  under  this  heading.  The 
universal  recognition  of  these  principles,  as  well 
as  those  about  the  treatment  of  the  prisoners  would 
be  a  marked  progress  towards  the  aim  which  the 
Society  for  the  Maintenance  of  International  Rights 
is  striving  to  attain  with  such  praiseworthy  per- 
severance. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  obedient, 

Count  Moltke. 


The  discussion  is    continued  in  the  following  letter  by  M. 
GoubarefiF : 

Villa  GoubarefiF  at  Eeaulieu,  Alpes  Maritimes, 

France,  February  4th,  1881. 
Herr  Graf, 

I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  reading  in  a  newspaper  the 
letter  which  you  have  addressed  to  Herr  Bluntschli,  professor 
of  law  in  Berlin,  in  reference  to  the  manual  of  martial  law, 
which  was  adopted  at  the  last  session  of  the  Society  for 
the  Maintenance  of  International  Rights  at  Oxford. 
Having  a  deep  respect  for  your  great  intellect,  I  ask  you  to 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.      277 

allow  me,  in  luy  capacity  as  member  of  the  "  Societe  des  Amis 
de  la  Paix  "  and  the  "  Association  for  the  Eeform  and  Codifi- 
cation of  the  Law  of  Nations,"  to  communicate  to  yon  my 
personal  views  upon  the  war  question,  upon  the  advantages  of 
peace  and  the  means  of  obtaining  it. 

Doubtless  it  is  a  great  comfort  to  look  at  the  brightest  side 
of  things  here  on  earth,  and  in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  life  to 
believe  that  good  will  come  out  of  evil ;  but  this  is  an  illusion 
which  cannot  be  of  long  duration,  we  shall  all  be,  in  the  end, 
obliged  to  bow  down  before  that  great  power,  which  is  called 
truth  !  However,  there  are  people  who  assert  that  war,  this 
monster,  this  crime  celebrated  in  song,  which  is  an  insult  to 
our  century  and  to  our  civilization,  this  cause  of  our  financial 
failures,. awakens  new  life  and  new  bloom  in  the  transactions  of 
life,  and  that  the  loss  of  millions  of  men  who  are  torn  away  from 
their  fatherlands  and  their  families  frees  the  earth  from  over- 
population, and  that  the  defeated  and  oppressed  nations,  though 
they  lose  their  freedom  and  independence,  have  compensating 
advantages.  Even  misery,  they  say,  has  the  advantage  of 
awakening  sympathy. 

Bat  what  is  the  difference  between  such  a  case  and  that  of  a 
patient  who  rejoices  in  his  incapacity  of  doing  anything, 
because  it  gives  him,  at  least,  the  certainty  of  never  doing 
anything  that  he  miglit  be  sorry  for  afterwards  ;  or  of  a  phy- 
sician (and  unfortunately  there  are  many  such)  who  rejoices  in 
an  epidemic  because  it  provides  him  with  patients  1  Is  it  right 
to  rob  one's  neighbours  to  find  an  opportunity  of  helping 
them  1  Or  to  roll  stones  before  the  cart  to  increase  the  exer- 
tions of  the  labourer  1  Is  it  right  to  ruin  some  nations  so  as 
to  enrich  others  1  to  set  the  neighbour's  house  ou  fire  in  order  to 
have  the  glory  of  putting  the  fire  out  1  To  make  a  slave  of 
one's  self  to  procure  the  enjoyment  of  being  set  free  1 

What  is  the  result  of  all  these  errors  which  time  has  changed 
into  customs'?     It  is  that  personal  rather  than  general  welfare 


278     Selections  from  Letters. 

is  most  considered  ;  and  it  is  forgotten  that  personal  well-being 
is  dependent  upon  general  well-being,  that  man  is  exclusively 
a  sociable  being,  and  that  the  moral  power  with  whicli  he  is 
endowed  is  a  power  whose  existence  is  only  justified  so  long  as 
it  is  reciprocal ;  that  if  this  power  becomes  egotistical  it  divides 
individuals,  families,  nations  and  the  whole  of  humanity  into 
centres  which  repulse  one  another,  and  which  can  only  pre- 
serve their  existence  by  fighting.  Oh,  these  wars!  They, 
sweep  away  the  healthiest,  and  prevent  the  physical  and  con- 
sequently the  moral  development  of  the  human  race,  counter- 
acting the  intention  of  nature  which  sacrifices  the  weak  to  the 
strong ;  they  increase  the  calamities  that  already  embitter  life, 
and  they  cause  free  competition  and  free  trade,  those  natural 
promoters  of  progress  and  universal  welfare,  to  be  supplanted 
by  lawless  Utopias  which  encourage  vice  and  incite  each  other 
to  wrong. 

I  beg  to  send  you  the  memorandum  in  wliich  I  have  ex- 
pressed my  ideas  about  the  questions  of  the  day,  and  my 
pamphlet  "  La  force  morale."  I  place  groat  reliance  on  your 
judgment,  and  hope  that  you  will  do  me  the  honour  of  sending 
me  a  few  lines  concerning  my  opinions,  if  you  have  confidence 
in  my  perfect  discretion. 

Will  you  accept  the  expressions  of  my  highest  esteem,  Avith 
■which  I  remain, 

Your  obedient, 

GOUBAREFF. 

{Answer.) 

Berlin,  February  10th,  1881. 
Honoured  Sir, 

You  have  had  the  goodness  to  send  me  a 
memorandum  in  which  you  express  your  opinion 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.      279 

on  the  serious  questions  of  the  present  time,  and 
you  have  shown  me  the  honour  of  asking  my 
views  on  the  subject.  I  must  restrict  myself  to 
discussing  your  opinions  of  warfare  from  my  point 
of  view. 

You  declare  that  every  war  is  a  crime,  even 
though  it  has  often  been  celebrated  in  verse ;  I 
believe  it  to  be  a  last  but  quite  justifiable  resort 
to  maintain  the  existence,  independence  and 
honour  of  a  state. 

With  the  advance  of  civilization  it  may  be  hoped 
that  the  employment  of  this  last  resort  will  be- 
come more  and  more  rare  ;  but  no  state  will  ever 
be  able  to  dispense  with  it  entirely.  Is  not  the 
life  of  man,  his  whole  nature,  a  battle  of  that  which 
is  to  be  with  that  which  is  ?  and  so  it  is  in  the  life 
of  nations.  Who  can  deny  that  every  war,  even 
a  successful  one,  is  a  misfortune  for  a  nation  ?  for 
no  acquirement  of  territory,  no  milliards  of  money 
can  make  up  for  the  loss  of  human  life  or  can  wipe 
away  the  grief  of  families. 

But  who  is  able  to  escape  misfortune  in  this 
world,  or  who  can  even  run  away  from  the  burdens 
of  life  ?     Are  not  both  by  God's  providence  condi- 


2So  Selections  from  Letters. 

tions  of  our  earthly  existence?  Our  great  poet 
makes  Max,  not  Wallenstein,  say : 

1  //2^l'r  Ärieg  ift  fd)rertlid)  »pic  beö  ^immcl6  flogen/ 
2)od)  ilt  cr  gut,  ifl  fin  @cfcl)icE  irie  fie." 

And  that  war  has  also  its  good  side,  that  it  brings 
out  virtues  which  would  otherwise  lie  dormant  or 
die  altogether,  avIio  can  deny  ? 

Of  course  it  is  much  easier  to  praise  the  happi- 
ness of  peace,  than  to  determine  how  it  can  be 
secured.  To  balance  the  interests  of  nations 
which  are  so  often  at  variance,  to  settle  their 
disputes  and  in  this  wise  to  prevent  war,  you  pro- 
pose to  institute  in  the  place  of  diplomacy  a 
permanent  assembly  of  members  chosen  by  the 
nations.  I  have  more  confidence  in  the  discern- 
ment and  power  of  the  Governments  themselves, 
than  in  such  an  areopagus.  The  era  of  cabinet 
wars  belongs  to  the  past ;  and  to-day  there  is 
hardly  a  ruler  who  would  take  upon  himself  the 
great  responsibility  of  drawing  the  sword  without 
the  utmost  need.  If  only  governments  were 
strong  enough  to  keep  down  the  passions  which 
excite  nations  to  wage  war !  " 

1  Schiller:  Wallenstein,  Part  IIL,  Act  IL,  Scene  2. 
This  same  thought  is  expressed  by  the  Field-Marshal  in 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.       281 

In  your  memorandum  you  lay  special  stress 
upon  the  warlike  propensities  of  the  Teutonic  race  ; 
I  beg  you  to  go  through  the  history  of  our 
century,  and  to  judge  if  the  Avars  have  been  begun 
by  Germany. 

Germany  has  won  her  goal — her  reunion ;  she 
has  not  the  least  occasion  to  go  in  search  of 
adventurous  martial  expeditions,  but  she  may  be 
forced  to  stand  on  the  defensive,  and  she  must  be 
prepared  to  do  so.  I  sincerely  wish  with  you 
that  this  necessity  may  not  occur. 

As  to  the  conclusion  of  your  esteemed  letter, 
I  have  no  objection  at  all  to  its  publication  with 
my  answer.     I  am, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Count  Moltke. 

(Letter  feom  Professor  Dr.  Jansen.) 

Berlin,  March,  6th,  1881. 
Yoüu  Excellency, 

Most  honoured  General  Field-Marshal.  Of  those  who 
read  with  interest  and  admiration  your  Excellency's  views  on 
the  discussions  on  Permanent  Peace,  or  rather  on  the  ideal 
significance  of  war,  only  very  few  will  have  the  privilege   of 

the  introduction  to  his  history  of  the  war  of  1870-71.     Compare 
*'  The  Franco-German  War  of  1870-71." 


282     Selections  from  Letters. 

communicating  tlieir  sentiments  on  this  matter  to  you.  I 
should  be  the  last  to  usurp  this  favour.  But  just  as 
your  Excellency's  second  letter  is  being  published,  my 
thoughts  have  been  directed  by  my  studies  to  Kant,  whose 
views  upon  the  matter  correspond  most  strikingly  with  your 
ideas  and  sentiments.  As  I  am  convinced  that  they  will  be  of 
interest  to  you,  I  take  the  liberty  of  quoting  them,  and  if, 
which  is  only  too  probable,  you  shoidd  already  be  acquainted 
with  them,  I  ask  you  to  excuse  my  zeal,  which  solely  arose 
from  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  a  general  and  a  philosopher  in 
complete  harmony  in  regard  to  the  most  sublime  question  of 
political  morality. 

1790.  Kant.  Kritik  der  sesthetischen  Urtheilskraft.  IV., 
120. 

"What  is  it  which  fills  even  the  savage  mind  with  the  deepest 
admiration  1  A  man  who  neither  fears  nor  is  afraid,  who 
therefore  does  not  shrink  from  danger,  but  at  once  with  due 
deliberation  goes  vigorously  to  work. 

This  special  reverence  for  the  warrior  continues  to  be  found 
among  those  of  highest  civilization,  but  they  require  in  addition 
that  he  should  exhibit  all  the  virtues  of  Peace — gentleness, 
compassion,  and  even  seemly  care  of  his  own  person — just 
because  the  invincibility  of  his  mind  in  danger  is  evinced 
thereby.  And  although  in  comparing  the  Statesman,  and  the 
General,  we  may  differ  as  to  the  measure  of  the  esteem  which 
each  deserves,  yet  cesthetic  opinion  has  given  sentence  in  favour 
of  the  latter.  Even  war,  when  conducted  with  discipline,  and 
due  respect  for  civil  rights,  has  about  it  something  ennobling, 
and  Avhen  so  conducted  elevates  a  people  in  proportion  to  the 
peril  to  which  they  are  exposed,  and  which  they  have  the 
courage  to  sustain.  On  the  other  hand  a  long  peace  fosters  a 
mere  commercial  spirit,  together  with  a  base  egotism,  cowardice 
and  effeminacy,  and  thus  has  a  degrading  effect  on  the  mind  of 
a  people. 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.       283 

1793.  Keligion  innerhalb  der  Grenzen  der  Vernunft,  X.  36. 

Note.  .  .  .  That  man  can  conceive,  and  aim  at  something 
"which  he  values  more  than  life  itself — Honour,  for  the  sake  of 
which  he  renounces  Self ;  this  is  a  proof  of  some  nobility  of 
character. 

1795.  Of  Permanent  Peace. 

"War  itself  requires  no  special  motive,  but  seems  to  be  grafted 
upon  human  nature,  and  is  even  looked  upon  as  something 
noble,  to  which  man  is  inspired  by  mere  sense  of  honour  with- 
out thought  of  self ;  so  that  the  warlike  spirit  is  reckoned  of 
great  value,  not  only,  as  might  be  expected,  when  war  is  going 
on,  but  also  as  its  producing  cause ;  for  war  is  often  begun 
merely  to  show  that  there  is  in  itself,  a  secret  worth  such  as 
honoured  by  wise  men,  as  a  thing  ennobling  to  humanity. 

1786.  VII.  380  .  .  .  Only  when  civilization  is  complete, 
and  God  knows  when  that  may  be,  can  permanent  peace  be 
desirable  or  even  possible  for  us. 

1790.  IV.  330.  In  spite  of  the  horrors  which  it  brings  upon 
the  human  race,  and  the  perhaps  even  greater  burdens  which 
constant  preparation  for  it  entails  in  time  of  peace,  war  is  yet 
one  incentive  the  more  for  developing  to  its  utmost  extent 
every  talent  which  assists  the  progress  of  civilization. 

The  General,  who  while  discharging  present  duties  yet  takes 
thought  for  the  future,  has  warmer  interest  and  more  lively 
utterance  for  the  idealism  which  manifests  itself  in  real  life, 
than  the  philosopher,  who  rather  considers  himself  a  citizen  of 
more  perfect  times  to  come.  And  thus  Kant  in  the  passages 
quoted  above,  does  not  quite  rise  to  the  eloquence  of  which  ho 
is  capable.  For  contemplating  time  and  space  as  mere  concep- 
tions, he  fixes  his  mind  entirely  upon  ultimate  aims,  and 
disregards  the  centuries  which  separate  us  therefrom.  Per- 
manent peace  is  for  him  in  any  case  an  impracticable  idea, 
but  yet  he  believes  in  a  continual  approach  to  it ;  IX.  204  ; 
and   he  finds  the  means  to  that    end,  in    a    legitimate   state 


284     Selections  from  Letters. 

of  federation  according  to  tlie  universally  concerted  right  of 
nations.     VII.  225. 

"  We  see,"  he  himself  says,  "  Philosophy  can  also  have  its 
Millennium."  VII.  330,  Speculation  may  calmly  and  con- 
fidently follow  him  into  the  future.  But  the  more  the  possibili- 
ties Avhich  he  places  there  as  realities,  are,  and  can  be  but 
subjective  views  and  visions,  the  more  is  it  allowable,  even 
if  in  another  sense  from  that  in  which  he  used  the  words,  "  to 
conform  the  critique  of  pure  reason  with  the  criticjue  of  practical 
sense."  He  himself  must  admit  that  at  the  stage  of  civilization 
which  the  human  race  has  now  attained,  war  is  an  indispensable 
means  of  advancing  it  still  further.     VJI.  380. 

Consequently  all  those  sentences  in  which  he  praises  war  as 
a  means  of  intellectual  and  moral  culture,  retain  their  value 
for  all  those  to  whom  a  thousand  years  are  not  as  one  day. 

I  cannot  even  claim  the  small  merit  of  having  myself  collected 
the  quoted  passages  from  Kant's  works  ;  they  are  to  be 
found  in  the  book  by  Dr.  Conrad  Friedrich,  Kant  and  Rousseau, 
1878,  page  138,  etc.  But  I  read  them  with  a  great  feeling  of 
gratitude  and  esteem  for  Your  Excellency,  sharing  in  this 
respect  the  views  of  all  subjects  of  our  nation. 

I  remain.  Your  Excellency's 

always  obedient  servant, 

Professor  Dr.  Jansen, 
formerly  Master  at  the  Royal 
War  Academy. 


(Answer.) 

Berlin,  March  8tli,  1881. 

Much  honoured  Herr  Professor, 

In  reply  to  your  kind  letter  of  the  6th  inst. 

accept  my  most  sincere  thanks  for  the  kind  en- 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.       285 

closure  of  some  quotations  of  Kant  on  the  ideal 
importance  of  war.  As  I  was  not  acquainted 
with  them,  I  was  greatly  interested  in  reading 
them  and  having  my  views  confirmed  in  this 
direction. 

With  highest  esteem, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Count  Moltke, 
General  Field-Marshal. 


The  "Weaver  Master,  Ehrenfried  Hessel,  in  a  letter  dated 
April  15th,  1881,  explains  his  views  on  the  question  of  the 
necessity  of  war  and  the  possibility  of  permanent  peace,  agreeing 
with  the  views  expressed  in  the  correspondence  of  the  Field- 
Marshal  with  Bluntschli,  etc.,  and  opposed  to  the  attacks  of 
the  Berlin  press. 


(Answer.) 

Berlin,  April  17th,  1881. 
Honoured  Sir, 

I  beg  to  thank  you  for  your  letter  which 
shows  such  clear  judgment,  and  is  dictated  by 
much  common  sense. 

The   attacks   from    the   press   make    little    im- 
pression upon  me ;  they  are  founded  upon — perhaps 


286  Selections  from  Letters. 

intentional — misrepresentation,  as  if  I  wished  for 
war,  because  I  believe  it  to  be  an  unavoidable 
evil. 

I  am, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
Count  Moltke. 


Dr.  Ludwig  Hahn  sends  a  copy  of  his  work  just  published  : 
"  The  Army  and  the  Fatherland."     (Xov.  1883.) 

{Ä7iswer.) 

Creisau,  Nov.  Uth,  1883. 

Honoured  Herr  Geheimrath, 

I  sincerely  thank  you  for  sending  me  your 
interesting  and  patriotic  book.  The  publication 
will  be  of  the  greatest  value  in  a  time  when  on  all 
sides  and  even  in  the  Reichstag,  attacks  are  made 
uj)on  the  institutions  of  our  Army,  without  which 
a  Reichstag  would  not  exist  at  all. 

For  how  many  years  people  have  talked  of 
German  Unity  in  poetry  and  song,  had  national 
meetings  and  shooting  meetings,  taken  resolutions, 
which  resulted  in  nothing  as  long  as  "  logos  "  was 
merely  translated  by  "  the  word."     Not  until  our 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.      287 

Emperor  with  Roon  created  the  Army,  and 
Bismarck  made  the  "  deed  "  unavoidable,  was  there 
power  to  realize  this  possibility.  But  now  again 
only  the  word  is  ruling. 

The  terms  in  which  you  speak  of  me  have  given 
me  much  pleasure,  but  have  also  put  me  to  shame  ; 
I  know  how  much  I  owe  to  others  and  to  timely 
circumstances. 

Hoping  that  your  health  may  further  enable 
you  to  continue  your  literary  work,  I  remain  mth 
high  esteem, 

Faithfully  yours. 

Count  Moltke, 

Field-Marshal. 


Mauritz  MoliP  sends  two  pamphlets  (Stuttgart,  January 
14th,  1878)  written  by  hinaself.  One  is  directed  against  the 
attempt  to  cause  a  social  democratic  movement  against  indirect 
and  all  other  legitimate  taxation,  the  other  recommends  the 
introduction  of  a  tobacco  monopoly.  The  pamphlet  ends  as 
follows  : 

"I  am  always  extremely  happy  when  I  may  dare  to  submit 
any  work  of  mine  to  your  Excellency,  because  it  gives  me  the 
opportunity  of  showing  to  the  greatest  man  of  all  times,  the 
liveliest  expression  of  unbounded  reverence  and  esteem." 

^  Well-known  national  economist. 


288     Selections  from  Letters. 

(Answer.) 

Berlin,  January  18th,  1878. 

Honoured  Sir, 

I  have  read  with  the  greatest  interest  your 
two  essays  which  contain  so  much  thorough  know- 
ledge, and  which  you  had  the  kindness  to  send  me 
on  the  14th  inst. 

Your  refutation  of  Herr  Carl  Mayer  is  very 
striking.  If  he  makes  a  point  of  the  voter  know- 
ing how  much  he  pays,  direct  taxation  is  not 
wanting  in  clearness.  With  the  income-tax  every- 
body knows  exactly  how  much  he  pays,  but  he 
also  knows  how  it  burdens  him.  The  fact  that 
indirect  taxation  is  hardly  noticed  at  all,  is  to  me 
its  best  recommendation ;  moreover  it  is  voluntary, 
everybody  can  avoid  it  if  he  likes,  as  long  as  it 
affects  the  right  object. 

One  of  the  most  serviceable  taxes  has  always 
appeared  to  me  to  be  the  taxation  of  petroleum, 
but  it  was  defeated  upon  the  simple  question  of 
''  taxation  of  light."  I  even  confess  to  be  a 
heretical  partisan  of  the  salt  duty,  though  it  is 
quite  a  necessary  of  life.  It  seems  right  to  me 
that  even  the  poorest  man  should  pay  something, 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.      289 

however  little,  to  the  Government  which  protects 
and  shelters  him.  The  poor  man  who  buys  his  salt 
by  ounces  just  as  he  wants  it,  will  not  receive  any 
advantage  if  the  tax  is  lessened  or  abolished  alto- 
gether. The  state  would  lose  a  gi'eat  income  from 
the  retailer. 

It  is  indisputable  that  tobacco  is  a  luxury  and, 
according  to  your  clever  exposition,  its  taxation 
would  be  a  great  source  of  income  if  the  state 
monopolized  it.  It  would  be  no  great  burden  for 
the  wealthy  man  to  pay  a  little  more  for  his  cigars. 
And  how  much  fictitious  value  has  already  attached 
itself  to  them,  is  another  consideration.  The 
superfine  cigar  is  often  nothing  more  than  a 
common  one  Avith  another  label.  Many  people, 
blindfolded,  do  not  know  red  wine  from  white, 
perhaps  under  the  same  circumstances  they  would 
not  be  able  to  distinguish  between  a  Havanna  and  a 
Vierradner. 

I  hope  that  the  logic  of  your  figures  will  not 
fail  in  its  purpose,  and  ask  you  to  pardon  my 
remarks  as  those  of  one  who  does  not  pretend  to  be 
an  authority  in  the  matter  Avhich  is  so  ably  treated 
by  you. 

u 


290  Selections  from  Letters. 

Tlie  expression  of  your  great  esteem  I  can  only 
answer  with  a  quotation  from  Faust : 

//Giivc  >^cf[id)!cit  cifvout  und)  [clju  ! 
3cl>  bin  ein  $Rann  wit  anbre  met;v." 

And  with  special  esteem,  I  am, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Count  Moltke. 


jMoritz  Mohl  sent  the  Field-Marshal  an  article  which  had 
appeared  in  a  daily  paper  and  which  was  written  by  him 
(Stuttgart,  Feb.  10th,  1887),  against  "  the  senseless  behaviour 
of  the  majority  of  the  dissolved  Eeichstag."  He  then  con- 
tinues:  ''The  whole  of  Germany  knows  that  if  France  wishes 
to  be  cruslied  again,  your  Honour  would  lead  the  German  flag 
to  the  most  brilliant  victories." 

(Answer.) 

Berlin,  Feb.  11th,  1887. 
Much  honoured  Herr  Geheimrath, 

I  beg  to  thank  you  for  so  kindly  sending 
your  article.  If  anything  can  bring  good  people 
and  bad  politicians  to  reason,  it  is  words  such  as 
you  have  spoken. 

Your  much  overrated  but  sincere, 

Count  Moltke. 
Field-Marshal. 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.       291 

Mr.  Sidney  Whitman  sends  the  Field-Marslial  his  pamphlet 
on  "Imperial  Germany."  ^ 


(Answer.) 

Berlin,  January  21st,  1889. 

Honoured  Sir, 

I  have  read  your  study  on  Germany  witli 
great  interest. 

Certainly  every  State  requires  a  government 
suited  to  its  individual  idiosyncrasies.  A  con- 
stitution like  that  of  England — secure  through  her 
isolated  position  and  gradually  developed  out  of 
the  national  character,  could  not  possibly  be  repro- 
duced on  the  continent. 

France,  again,  has  tried — for  now  about  a 
hundred  years — alternately,  monarchy  in  different 
forms.  Empire  and  Republic,  without  coming  to 
any  definite  result. 

Only  so  recently  united  as  an  Empire,  Germany 
is  an  upstart,  an  intruder  into  the  family  of 
European  States.  In  the  midst  of  mighty  neigh- 
bours we  are  convinced  of  the  need  of  a  strong 
monarchy,  and   I  have  been  glad  to  see  that  you 

'  Translated  into  German  by  Alexander.     Berlin,  1889. 
U   2 


292  Selections  from  Letters. 

do  full  justice  to  the  traditional  "  paternal  Govern- 
ment "  of  the  Hohenzollern. 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  so  kindly  sending 
your  clever  pamphlet.     I  am, 

Your  humble  servant, 
Count  Moltke, 
Field-Marshal. 

Dr.  D.,  of  London,  sent  an  article  on  socialism. 

(Answer.) 

Berlin,  Dec.  10th,  1890. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  herewith  return  with  many  thanks  the 
essay  which  you  kindly  sent  to  me,  and  about  which 
you  wish  to  hear  my  opinion. 

I  ([uite  share  your  view  that  real  social  progress 
can  only  be  made  slowly  and  by  degrees.  Natura 
non  facit  saltfim,  and  civilization  just  as  little. 
Above  all  it  is  necessary  to  enlighten  the  lower 
classes  as  to  their  own  interests.  That  must  be 
the  work  of  the  School  and  the  Church  for  the  next 
century.  But  we  are  standing,  may  be,  quite 
ilose  before  the  eruption  of  a  mighty  movement, 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.       293 

and  have  to  prepare  already  to  face  the  danger. 
Your  wish  is  that  the  social  democrats  might  take 
a  less  revolutionary  position  towards  "  the  great 
number  of  the  educated  poor,"  and  that  they  should 
be  friendly  witli  them,  because  then  a  blessed 
change  could  be  effected  without  the  shedding  of 
blood. 

Do  you  believe  it  possible  that  any  judicious, 
well-meaning  and  educated  man  could  guide  to  a 
sensible  conclusion  the  movement  of  the  dissatisfied 
masses  whose  purpose  is  to  plunder  and  to  pull 
do^vn  ?  I  fear  that  he  would  perish  as  their  first 
victim.  It  is  just  against  the  middle  class  that  the 
hatred  of  the  mob  is  directed.  Look  back  to  the 
commune  of  1870.  It  destroyed  the  monuments  of 
French  glory,  it  murdered  the  priests,  plundered 
the  shops,  but  it  left  the  house  of  Rothschild 
unmolested. 

In  every  revolution  those  who  have  tried  to  be 
the  leaders,  have  always  been  ruined  first.  The 
moderate  parties  liave  always  been  carried  away 
by  the  extreme.  Of  all  the  men  Avho  took  leading 
parts  in  the  French  revolution,  not  one  escaped  the 
guillotine.     And  the  leaders  of  the  German  demo- 


294  Selections  from  Letters. 

crats  begin  to  see  already  that  it  is  easier  to 
stir  up  the  masses  than  to  guide  and  restrain 
them. 

I  am  of  opinion  that  the  much-needed  social 
reform  can  only  come  from  the  higher  ranks, 
through  a  strong  kingdom  which  possesses  the 
necessary  will  and  2:)0wer,  and  such  a  kingdom  we 
have  in  Germany. 

The  taxation  of  the  poorer  classes  has  been 
decreased  already,  even  done  away  with  altogether, 
and  that  rightly  at  the  expense  of  the  wealthy 
classes.  Insurance  for  the  sick  and  also  for  acci- 
dents is  doing  a  great  and  blessed  work.  In  a  few 
days  the  law  for  Invalids  and  Old  Age  Pensions 
Avill  come  into  power.  The  further  progress  of 
these  state  provisions  can  only  be  hindered,  or  at 
least  deferred,  by  the  imprudence  of  those  for 
whom  it  is  intended,  and  in  such  a  case  a  display 
of  power  is  a  necessity. 

The  law  a2:ainst  the  social  democrats  was  a 
more  humane  proceeding ;  it  Avas  a  preventive. 
Should  it  fail,  nothing  will  be  left  but  severe 
repression. 

It  appears  to  me   then,  sir,  that  it  would   be 


Promotion  of  Permanent  Peace.       295 

better  if  the  educated  poor  sided  with  the  conser- 
vative elements  which  support  Government  in  its 
salutary  endeavours,  than  that  they  should  make 
common  cause  with  those  who  work  airainst  it 
and  at  the  same  time  against  their  own  wel- 
fare. 

I  am  very  sorry  to  see  from  the  end  of  your  letter 
that  you  are  in  very  needy  circumstances.  I  re- 
gret to  say  I  have  so  many  obligations  that  it  will 
be  impossible  for  me  to  render  you  any  lasting  and 
effective  help. 

Yours  faithfully, 

Count  Moltke. 


In  March,  1891,  a  Avell-known  French  chauvinist  wrote  to 
the  Field-Marshal  that  "  he  intended  to  bring  about  press- 
polemics  to  see  if  it  were  possible  for  France  and  Germany  to 
be  reconciled  and  on  what  conditions.  He  had  therefore 
applied  to  jDarliamentary  authorities  (the  letter  was  addressed 
to  le  Comte  de  Moltke,  depute  du  Reichstag)  in  order  to  pub- 
lish their  answers  in  his  newspaper,  and  he  promised  to  publish 
them  correctly." 

The  Field-Marshal  received  this  letter  in  the  Herrenhaus 
(Upper  House)  and  wrote  his  answer,  as  was  his  habit,  at  once 
on  the  back  of  the  sheet  which  contained  the  order  of  the  day : 

I  believe  a  reconciliation  between  Germany  and 


296  Selections  from  Letters. 

France  to  be  possible,  because  sensible.  The  con- 
dition is  a  candid  recognition  of  the  treaty  of 
Frankfort. 

This  answer  was,  however,  not  posted,  ;is  the  Field-Marshal 
was  informed  by  trustworthy  jjeople  about  the  inquirer. 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATION, 
ACKNOWLEDGMENT,  etc. 

To  Count  von  Egloffstein  at  Arklitten  in  East  Prussia.* 

Berlin,  August  25th,  1866. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  thank  you  sincerely  for  having  so  kindly 
remembered  a  younger  comrade  of  the  General 
Staff.  I  have  read  with  great  interest  your  "  part- 
ing words,"  and  I  hope  that  before  your  actual 
departure  your  heart  has  been  gladdened  by  the 
valour  of  the  grandchildren  of  those  heroes  who 
fought  by  your  side  during  the  wars  of  liberation. 

The  death  of  brave  Königer,  a  real  Prussian  at 
heart,  and  whose  fate  it  was  to  die  pierced  by 
Prussian  bullets  in  the  fight  against  Prussia,  is  a 
proof  of  the  untenable  position  of  Germany.     My 

*  Count  von  Eglotfstein's  letter,  whicli  was  the  occasion  of 
this  letter,  is  not  fortlicoming. 


298  Selections  from  Letters. 

attention  had  been  draT^^l  to  Koniger  by  his  ex- 
cellent essays.  I  was  in  correspondence  with  him, 
and  hoped  to  have  him  for  the  "war-history  section 
of  the  General  Staff  as  soon  as  my  staff  was  en- 
larged. 

In  reference  to  your  kind  mention  of  my  part  in 
the  last  successful  events  of  tlie  war,  I  may  say 
that  these  words  have  often  come  into  my  mind : 
"  The  Lord  is  strong  in  the  weak." 

Please  to  accept  the  assurance  of  my  most 
sincere  esteem,  and  believe  me  to  remain, 

Yours  Faithfully, 

MOLTKE, 

Genei'al  and  Chief  of  the 
General  Staff. 


Count  Egloffstein  writes  on  January  16th,  1881  : — 
It  is  the  heartfelt  wish  of  a  veteran  of  eighty-five  to  oflfer  to 
Your  Excellency  a  visible  proof  of  his  good  wishes  and  blessings, 
before  he  is  called  away  by  God  Almighty. 

I  have  given  to  my  nephew,  who  enjoj's  the  honour  and 
happiness  of  being  under  Tour  Excellency's  command  and 
leadership,  the  letter  which  you  once  wrote  to  me  after  God 
had  done  so  much  through  you,  and  when  you  gave  Him 
thanks  for  what  lie  had  done.  That  is  the  most  beautiful  leaf 
in  Your  Excellency's  wreath  of  laurels. 


Letters  of  Congratulation,  Etc.      299 

Will  you  kindly  remember  a  veteran  and  tired  pilgrim,  who 
is  preparing  for  the  grand  recall  ? 


{Answer.) 

Berlin,  January  25tli,  1881. 

Honoured  Herr  Graf, 

Please  to  accept  my  heartiest  thanks  for 
youi'  kind  lines,  dated  16th  inst.,  which  were  de- 
livered to  me  by  your  nephew.  According  to 
God's  gracious  providence  both  of  us  have  reached 
old  age,  I  being  only  four  years  behind  you,  and 
must  both  be  prepared  to  be  called  away  soon  ; 
may  God  be  a  gracious  judge  to  us. 

With  best  wishes  and  true  esteem,  I  remain, 
Your  obedient  servant. 

Count  Moltke, 
Field-Marshal. 


The  General  of  the  Cavalry,  Baron  von  Manteufifel,  sends  his 
good  wishes  for  the  New  Year.  (Nancy,  December  30th, 
1871.) 

{Answer.) 

Berlin,  January  3rd,  1872. 
I  sincerely  thank  your  Excellency  for  the  kind 
lines  of  the  30th  of  last  month,  and  beg  you  to 


300  Selections  from  Letters. 

accept  my  best  wishes  for  the  New  Year.  May  it 
bring  more  light  to  the  world,  and  make  even 
enemies  and  malicious  cnviers  see  the  great  things 
you  have  done  for  King  and  Fatherland.  The  un- 
prejudiced and  well-informed  can  appreciate  them 
already,  but  the  blind  majority  Avill  be  more  in- 
fluenced by  the  relation  of  them  in  history  than 
in  the  press. 

May  God  keep  you  in  good  health  and  in  un- 
abated strength  in  your  important  place. 
With  sincere  esteem, 

Count  Moltke. 


The  North  American  historian  and  statesman,  George  Ban- 
croft, from  18G7  to  1874  ambassador  in  Berlin,  Avrote  on 
February  18th,  1885  :— 

We  were  born  in  the  same  month  of  the  same  year.  I  am 
twenty-three  days  older  than  you.  I  am  in  excellent  health, 
and  hope  to  hear  the  same  of  you.  The  remembrance  of  our 
friendship  during  my  stay  in  Berlin  is  still  a  joy  to  me  in  my 
old  age.  I  keep  my  former  opinion  that  the  union  of  Germany 
is  the  greatest  event  of  our  century.  My  wife,  who,  I  am  glad 
to  say,  is  in  good  health,  joins  me  in  best  wishes. 


(Answer.) 

Berlin,  March  3rd,  1885. 

I  am  glad  to  learn  from  your  Excellency's  kind 


Letters  of  Congratulation,  Etc.       301 

letter  of  the  18th  of  last  month,  that  you  still  wish 
me  well  even  on  the  other  side  of  the  ocean. 

From  time  to  time  I  hear  news  of  you  from 
your  countrymen,  and  I  hear  that  your  activity 
enables  you  to  continue  the  rides,  in  which  I 
so  often  had  the  honour  of  accompanying  you 
here. 

The  high  significance  Avhich  you  rightfully 
attach  to  the  union  of  Germany,  whose  friend 
you  have  always  shown  yourself,  is  certainly 
justified  ;  I  think  that  a  powerful  and  yet  peace- 
able state  in  the  heart  of  Europe  is  the  greatest 
security  for  lasting  tranquillity  in  this  part  of  the 
world. 

May  you  retain,  for  many  years  to  come,  the 

twenty-three  clays  by  which  you  are  in  advance  of 

me,^  and  asking  you  to  give  my  kindest  regards  to 

your  wife, 

I  remain,  your  most  devoted, 

Count  Moltke. 


As  an   example  of   the  Field-jMarshal's   terse   eloquence  we 
give  here  the  following  toast,  which  he  gave  at  a  farewell  dinner 

'  Bancroft  died  on  January  17th,  1890,  at  Washington. 


302  Selections  from  Letters. 

of  the  officers  of  the    Great    General  Staff  in  lionour    of    a 
departing  comrade  in  the  year  1883. 

To-day,  when  our  guest  is  leaving  our  circle  to 
occupy  a  high  place  as  Commander  in  the  Army, 
we  remember  the  many  years  during  which  he  has 
belonged  to  us.  ]\Iany  of  you,  gentlemen,  honour 
in  him  a  master  and  leader,  all  of  us  a  genial 
superior,  and  amiable  comrade.  To  me  he  has 
been  a  faithful  companion  in  two  campaigns,  and 
a  firm  support  in  jDeace.  AVhile  uniting  our  good 
wishes  for  his  future  let  us  join  in  a  hearty  cheer. 
"  Hurrah  !  " 


VARIOUS  PROOFS  OF  ESTEEM. 

The  Directors  of  the  Berlin  Anhalter  Railway  Company  asked 
for  permission  to  give  the  name  of  "  Moltke  "  to  a  new  engine, 

(Ariswer.) 

(Place  not  named),  April  13th,  1872. 

I  beg  to  thank  the  honoured  directors  for  the 

intended   compliment.     I   hope    that   the   engine 

which  will  bear  my  name  may  traverse  as  great 

distances  as  I  have  done  during  my  life  with  God's 

gracious  help. 

Count  Moltke. 


Nominated  a  member  of  the  Imperial  Russian  Academy  of 
Science  at  St.  Petersburg. 

From  the  President  of  the  Imperial  Academy  of  Science  at 

St.  Petersburg. 

December  5th  (17th),  1871. 

To   His   Excellency   Count   Ilelmuth   von   Moltke,    Pield- 

Marshal  and  Knight  of  sublime  orders. 

Illustrious  Count, 

The  decisive  part  which  your  Excellency  has  taken  in 
the  recent  historical  events  Avhich  have   insured  the  triumph 


304  Selections  from  Letters. 

of  tnie  civilization,  lias  engraved  your  name  for  ever  in  tlie 
annals  of  history,  ^yill  your  Excellency  permit  your  glorious 
name  to  be  added  to  the  list  in  the  Imperial  vVcademy  of 
Science,  to  leave  a  testimony  to  coming  generations  of  the  ad- 
miring recognition  of  your  great  deeds  ?  Requesting  you  to 
accept  the  enclosed  diploma  of  an  honorary  member  of  the 
Imperial  Academy  of  Science, 

I  remain,  your  Excellency's 

Obedient  Servant, 

Count  Fu.  Lütkb, 
President. 


{Acknoioledgment.) 

To    the    President    of    the   Imperial    Russian 
Academy  of  Science,  Knight  of  the  highest  orders. 

The  Admiral  Count  Liitke,  Excellency. 

Berlin,  December  24th,  1871. 
I  am  sorry  not  to  have  found  your  Excellency 
at  home,  when  I  paid  you  my  farewell  visit  at  St. 
Petersburg  ;  will  you,  therefore,  allow  me  now  to 
express  my  sincere  thanks  to  you  for  the  distinc- 
tion which  has  been  conferred  on  me  by  my  ad- 
mission to  the  Imperial  Academy  of  Science.  I 
esteem  it  a  special  honour  to  see  my  name  recorded 
with  those  whose  scientific  reputations  are  known 
throughout    the   world.     Besides    the    enormous 


Various   Proofs  of  Esteem.  305 

progress  that  true  humanity  has  made  in  the  vast 
reahn  of  Russia  during  the  last  decade  and  a  half, 
these  splendid  institutions  for  Science  and  Art  show 
the  attention  paid  to  the  highest  intellectual 
development. 

I  beg   to  express   to  youi'  Excellency,  as   the 
worthy  promoter  of  progress  in  this  department, 
the  high  esteem  with  which  I  remain. 
Your  Excellency's  obedient  servant. 

Count  Moltke, 
Field-Marshal. 


LITERARY   HOMAGE. 

Hoffmann  von  Fallersleben  sends  the  following  lines 

For  the  26th  of  October,  1873. 

SBem  gilt  am  tjeutigcn  Sage 
2)f6  Danh^  (Sang  unb  SGSort? 
(Sin  ■^eih  ifc  tcute  geöoreiv 
©Ott  i)at  ii)n  augeiEoren 
3u  £)cutfd[)lanbS  @egcn6l)ort. 

Sag  bifl  2)11,  eblcr  «Kottfe ! 
S)anf  Sic  t)icl  tauicnbmal! 
2)u  h-iegöcriat;rnicr  S'enter 
®u  ftd)(rer  ©d)(ad)tcnlenEer/ 
S)u  glücElid)er  ©eneial. 

Su  t)a|l  bag  a5oIf,  ha^  nur  badjte, 
3um  Ätatcncotl  gi'mad)t  5 
Sen  ©icg  ftctg  üorbeicitet/ 
3u  S{ut)ni  unb  (St}r'  un6  geleitet 
2)uvd)  mand)e  glücflid;e  ©d)lad)t. 

©3  [fi  tenu  t}ciii'  unb  immer 
^erjinnig  Seiner  gebad)t. 
Unb  ncd)  in  fernen  Sagen 
©oll  Seutfd^lanb  [tngen  unb  fagen 
2Ba6  Su  für  unö  üoUbrad)t. 

®d)lo^    (Soroei).  I^uffmann  bon  JFallersletien. 


Literary  Homage.  307 

{Acknowledgment.) 

Creisau,  Oct.  26th,  1873. 

My  heartiest  thanks  to  the  celebrated  poet  at 

Schloss  Corvey  for  the  verses,  which  no  other  but 

himself  could  have  written. 

Count  Moltke. 

Professor  Dr.  Felix  Dahn  had  sent  for  the  Field-Marshal's 
ninetieth  birthday  his  play  "  Moltke  "  (first  part :  at  Walhalla, 
1870;  second  and  principal  part;  in  Moltke's  camp,  1870; 
third  part :  conclusion,  1890),  and  other  poetry  of  his,  dedicated 
to  the  Field-Marshal. 

To  Professor  Felix  Dahn  in  Berlin. 

Creisau,  Oct.  17th,  1890. 

Much  honoured  Herr  Professor, 

It  is  a  great  honour  for  me  that  my  ap- 
proaching birthday  has  caused  a  man  of  your  high 
literary  fame  to  celebrate  my  actions  in  your  play 
and  your  beautiful  verses,  though  I  feel  that  my 
merits  are  far  too  small  to  be  deserving  of  it.  The 
good  opinion  of  me  which  you  reveal  in  these 
works,  is  all  the  more  valuable  to  me  as  it  is  that 
of  a  writer  who  has  given  me  many  happy  hours 
by  his  works,  especially  by  the  "  Kampf  um  Rom." 

Will    you   accept,    dear    Sir,  my   most   sincere 


3o8  Selections  from  Letters. 

thanks  for  your  writings  as  well  as  for  the  amiable 
expressions  which  accompanied  them  ? 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
Count  Moltke, 
Field-Marshal. 

A  young  lady  belonging  to  the  Alsacian  aristocracy  had 
written  a  number  of  poems  which  celebrated  "  The  Life  and 
Deeds  of  the  Field-Marshal."  She  made  inquiry  through  a 
friend,  if  the  Field-Marshal  would  condescend  to  see  the  poems 
and  allow  her  to  dedicate  them  to  him. 

(Answer.) 

Creisau,  June  20th,  1877. 

I  fully  appreciate  the  compliment  paid  to  me 
by  a  young  lady  writing  poetry  in  my  honour. 
But  in  such  a  case  a  special  dedication  would  not 
be  necessary,  and  I  think  I  would  rather  decline 
the  offer  with  thanks. 

My  life  has  hardly  been  poetical  enough,  and  I 
must  confess  that  I  should  much  prefer  all  remarks 
on  me  to  be  postponed  to  a  distant  future. 

Count  Moltke. 


A  publishing  firm,  which  was  preparing  a  biography  of  the 
Field-Marshal,  asked  for  kind  information  for  the  use  of  the 
author. 


Literary  Homage.  309 

(Answer.) 

Creisau,  July,  20th,  1877. 

I  gratefully  recognize  the  kind  intention,  but  I 
take  the  liberty  of  remarking  that  biographies  of 
living  men  can  hardly  be  anything  else  but  so 
many  panegyrics,  which  everybody  puts  aside  as 
tedious.  An  impartial  judgment  must  be  left  till 
after  the  death  of  the  person  in  question. 

Fate  willed  that  I  was  not  to  be  placed  in  such 
circumstances  as  to  excite  universal  interest  till  I 
was  advanced  in  age.  Nobody  would  be  interested 
in  my  earlier  years.  All  that  is  at  all  noteworthy  of 
this  period  is  already  known  through  letters  which 
have  been  published. 

The  character  of  a  man  is  a  riddle  difficult  to 
solve,  even  for  his  relations,  how  much  more  so  for 
strangers.  Herr  ^  .  ,  ,  would  not  be  able  to  give 
a  true  picture  of  me,  even  if  he  could  build  on  the 
uncertain  foundation  of  personal  acquaintance. 

I  should  like  to  leave  it  to  posterity  to  give  its 

opinion  about  me,  and  as  the  work  has  luckily  not 

been  begun  yet,  I  can  only  sincerely  hope  the  idea 

will  be  abandoned. 

Count  Moltke. 

'  The  author. 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  AT  LOS  ANGELES 


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